Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “American Agriculture History Minute”
A Pioneering Beginning During the Civil War Kansas State University—originally named Kansas State Agricultural College—was formally established on February 16, 1863, in Manhattan, Kansas. As described in Mark Oppold’s American Agriculture History Minute, its founding took place during the American Civil War, a period marked by national upheaval yet also visionary public investment in education. Despite the challenges of wartime, …
The Land-Grant Origins of Ohio State University: How a New College Was Chosen to Lead Ohio’s Future The founding of Ohio State University is a defining chapter in both Ohio’s educational history and the broader story of America’s land-grant movement. Born from the Morrill Act of 1862, the institution began as the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College—a school designed to …
As settlers crossed the Appalachian Mountains on their journey west, many expected to continue onward to the vast plains, California, or Oregon. But a significant number stopped well before reaching those destinations. Drawn by fertile soils, abundant water, and promising farmland, early pioneers found their home in what we now know as Ohio. Their arrival—combined with the long-established agricultural practices …
A National Moment in Agricultural Advancement In the mid-1800s, agriculture was the driving force of American life, shaping communities, economies, and national expansion. Recognizing the importance of strengthening agricultural knowledge and innovation, the Iowa General Assembly made a landmark decision in 1856: it enacted legislation to create the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm. This initiative marked one of the …
A Landmark Innovation in American Agriculture In this edition of the American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights a pivotal development in mid-19th century farming technology—the creation of the Deere & Mansur corn planter. As agriculture expanded across the United States, so did the need for more accurate and efficient planting equipment. This growing demand set the stage for an …
Expanding America’s Land-Grant Tradition Most land-grant universities Americans know today—such as Iowa State University and Kansas State University—trace their origins to the landmark Morrill Act of 1862. This legislation established a new model for public higher education, focused on practical instruction in agriculture, engineering, and the mechanical arts. Following the act, states across the nation founded colleges and universities that …
A Civil War–Era Beginning Kansas State University—initially named Kansas State Agricultural College—was founded on February 16, 1863, in Manhattan, Kansas. Remarkably, its establishment occurred during the American Civil War, a time when national conflict threatened the stability of institutions across the country. Yet Kansas leaders pressed forward, committed to building a university that would serve the new state’s educational and …
Exploring an Often Overlooked Chapter of American Agriculture History Land-grant universities remain one of the most influential forces in American agricultural development, scientific advancement, and educational access. Their story begins with the Morrill Act of 1862, a landmark piece of legislation that provided federal land to states to establish colleges focused on agriculture and mechanical arts. This act forever transformed …
The Origins of Iowa State University: A Landmark in Agricultural Education In a recent American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlighted one of the most important milestones in U.S. agricultural education: the establishment of what is known today as Iowa State University. Its roots trace back to the mid-19th century, a time when states were laying foundations for institutions that …
The Origins of Land O’Lakes: From Minnesota Creameries to an Iconic Brand A Historic Merger in Minnesota In July 1921, a major milestone in American dairy history took place in St. Paul, Minnesota. 320 cooperative creameries merged to form the Minnesota Cooperative Creameries Association. This strategic unification helped small dairy producers strengthen their market presence during a competitive period in …
