Calhoun Opposes Smithson Bequest
Close
PrintSenator John C. Calhoun of South Carolina announces to the United States Congress that he opposes the acceptance of the James Smithson bequest on the grounds that to do so would be unconstitutional and that it abridged states' rights. His reasoning sparks much controversy in the Senate, but does not prevail.
Chronology of Smithsonian History
Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu
February 25, 1839