Extension Takes Shape Through Federal Legislation

Morrill Act of 1862 

In the mid-1800s, education typically ended after a few years of schooling. There was a need to extend the benefits of education to the majority of Americans, especially to rural families, whose contributions to the nation were indispensable. A group of congressmen led by Justin Morrill of Vermont proposed a College Land Bill to develop a different type of college that was devoted to educating the people in businesses and trades. After half a century of increasing pressure from agricultural leaders, Congress passed the Morrill Act in 1862, creating a national system of land-grant colleges.

Hatch Act of 1887 

As land-grant colleges grew, they gradually realized that teaching “scientific agriculture” required an intellectual foundation based on a strong research program. Agricultural experiment stations had operated successfully in Europe for almost 50 years. Gradually, experiment stations were established across the U.S., and as their need and potential value were recognized, federal support grew. In 1887, the Hatch Act created agricultural experiment stations.

Morrill Act of 1890 

As the endowments from the 1862 Morrill Act proved inadequate, Justin Morrill tried to increase them. In 1890, he was finally successful, and the second Morrill Act was signed into law. It provided for “the more complete endowment and maintenance of colleges for the benefit of agriculture and the mechanic arts.” 

The 1890 Morrill Act also included a provision that led to the creation of 17 predominantly Black land-grant colleges in the southern states. States that established separate institutions for white and Black students were in compliance with the act if they appropriated funds equitably between the institutions. In effect, the Morrill Act of 1890 accomplished for Black residents of the South what the act of 1862 had accomplished for white residents. Kentucky State University is Kentucky’s 1890 Institution that works in concert with the 1862 land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky. 

Smith-Lever Act of 1914 

As scientific research generated new knowledge in the late 1800s, how to disseminate this knowledge and apply it to agricultural or societal conditions became a concern. In 1910, Kentucky formed an extension service and joined other states in urging Congress to create a nationwide system to extend education from land-grant colleges to the people. In 1914, Congress enacted the Smith-Lever Act, providing for a comprehensive extension education program in each state. 

The Smith-Lever Act provided stability through a cooperative partnership among federal, state and county government. Kentucky officially joined this three-way partnership when, in 1916, the Kentucky General Assembly enacted legislation (KRS-164.110).

The land-grant system was then complete. Programs have changed as societal needs have changed, yet extension’s efforts continue to provide a wide range of educational programs responding to the diverse needs of modern society.