August 26, 1817

Public education came to Michigan.

The first serious effort to promote public education in Michigan was attempted with passage of a territorial act providing for “A Catholepistemiad or University of Michigania.” This act was the brainchild of Judge Augustus Woodward. Little came of the grandiose scheme, except setting forth certain principles that become the basis for Michigan’s system of education. In 1929, the regents of the University of Michigan—which was established in 1837—adopted 1817 as the date their school was founded.

Thank you Michigan History Magazine for this glimpse into our past.  See more at www.michiganhistorymagazine.com.