Morrill Tower
Morrill Tower was dedicated on November 11, 1965 – the same day as its twin, Lincoln Tower. The groundbreaking ceremony had been held in March of 1965, and the first ten stories were completed and opened to students for Autumn Quarter of 1966.
The building was named for Justin S. Morrill, who may not have ever seen Ohio State, but did play a major role in its creation. Morrill was a U.S. Representative (and later Senator) from Vermont, who introduced a bill to Congress in 1857. This legislation, which would have had states sell public land in order to provide an endowment for a state university, failed. Morrill reintroduced the bill to Congress in 1861, and this time it passed and was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on July 2, 1862. The Land Grant—or Morrill—Act, as the legislation came to be known, provided the means to establish The Ohio State University, and defined its mission.
The Morrill Act stated that the proceeds from the sale of state lands was to go into an endowment fund that would enable designated colleges and universities to offer tuition more cheaply because of the federal support. It also stipulated that the designated colleges and universities teach both scientific and classical studies, as well as military training. (The bill was signed in the midst of the Civil War, and few men recruited had any grasp of military strategy or tactics.) It also stipulated that these universities and colleges provide mechanical and agricultural instruction.
more information:
John H. Herrick Archives: Morrill Tower
