Founding of the University

Picture: Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862

The University of Illinois was founded in 1867 by virtue of the Morrill Act of 1862, which provided land grants to states to establish public universities. The University's original charter in 1863 only provided for the education of white students but following the 13th and 14th Amendments this language was removed. However, true to the nature of higher education at the time Illinois did not have African-American students, although they were not explicitly refused admittance due to race.