On February 18, 1804, the state's general assembly chartered the Ohio University in the clear conviction that "institutions for the liberal education of youth, are essential to the progress of arts and sciences, important to morality, virtue and religion; friendly to the peace, order and prosperity of society, and honorable to the government that encourages and patronizes them."
The idea for a university in the Ohio land had originated years earlier through Dr. Manasseh Cutler's association with General Rufus Putnam and the Ohio Company. Cutler was an educated New Englander who so appreciated "the value and pleasures of learning, [that] he regarded the diffusion of knowledge not merely as a source of individual happiness, but as a chief element of political liberty and a necessary part of the policy of a free state."
DeltAlum comment:
The above led to the following language in the Ordinance of 1787, which is engraved on the "Class Gateway" (
http://www.ohiou.edu/athens/bldgs/clsgate.html) on the College Green:
"Religion, morality and knowledge, being necessary for good government and the happiness of mankind; schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged."
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