While many outside of our area only know Jefferson City as Missouri’s capital, it has a rich history beyond that of being the seat of state government. That’s why, as our nation celebrates Black History Month as it does each February, this week’s bulletin is dedicated to a Jefferson City institution of higher learning: Lincoln University.

Lincoln is one of two historically black colleges and universities in Missouri and the story of its founding is a point of pride for our state, as are its nationally recognized band – the “Marching Musical Storm” – and its superior academic and athletic programs.

Lincoln was founded 150 years ago by African American veterans of the Civil War. These veterans set out to organize an institution of higher learning in Missouri to benefit freed African Americans through a combination of academic study and labor. The founders of Lincoln came from the 62^nd and 65^th Regiments of the United States Colored Infantry. The 62^nd, made up mainly of Missourians, but stationed in Texas at the end of the war, took the first steps to organize and fund the school. Thereafter, the 65^th Regiment contributed funds to the project and Lincoln Institute, as it was then known, opened its doors to its first class of students a short time later in 1866.

In 1862 and 1890, Congress passed the Morrill Acts, two pieces of legislation granting states large tracts of federal land to be sold in order for the states to establish colleges and universities focusing on agriculture, science, engineering, and military studies. The University of Missouri was designated as a “land-grant” college in 1870, and Lincoln followed in 1890.

After 55 years, the State of Missouri officially recognized Lincoln as a university in 1921, in recognition of the broad array of courses offered at the school and its name was legally changed to Lincoln University after passage of legislation authored by Walthall M. Moore, the first black American to serve in the Missouri General Assembly.

Then, in 1954 the United States Supreme Court issued its ruling in the historic Brown vs. Board of Education case, which required the integration of public schools, and Lincoln University responded by opening its doors to any individual meeting the entrance criteria.

Today, our state’s capital city is still home to this university. The sprawling Inman E. Page Library, the diverse student population, and the popular Lincoln Clarion student newspaper are just a few reasons why I am proud to call myself a Blue Tiger. 

This February, Lincoln University celebrated its 150^th Founders’ Convocation. During the event, the men from the 62^nd and 65^th Regiments were honored with a wreath laying ceremony and there was a panel that featured several alumni to discuss the living history of Lincoln University. Even after 150 years of being an institute and a university, current students and alumni were excited to recognize the school’s significant history and its bright future.

I am proud to have this university call our 3^rd Congressional District home and I look forward to seeing its students prosper in the years to come.