"C" is for Clemson University. In 1888, Thomas Green Clemson left his Oconee County estate and an endowment to the state of South Carolina—in order to create a separate agricultural college. The legislation accepting the bequest was enacted in 1890. Additional funding would come from the federal government through the Hatch Act and Morrill Act. Clemson Agricultural College opened in 1893.
As a land grant school, the Morrill Act required the inclusion of military instruction. In 1955 Clemson became a civilian, co-educational institution. Its mission continues to focus primarily on agriculture, engineering, and science, although academic offerings have expanded to include degree programs in the arts, humanities, education, and business. Clemson University offers degrees unique in South Carolina. In the 21st century, Clemson University’s students hail from all fifty states and eighty foreign countries.
