Robbins Pleads for a National University

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Summary

Senator Asher Robbins of Rhode Island, during his last session in the United States Congress, pleads for the use of the James Smithson bequest to consolidate many smaller colleges into a National University. He envisions an enlightened America, inspired by a national scientific and literary institution.

Subject

  • Robbins, Asher 1761-1845
  • United States Congress

Category

Chronology of Smithsonian History

Notes

Rhees, William Jones. The Smithsonian Institution: Documents Relative to Its Origin and History: 1835-1899, Vol. 1, 1835-1887. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1901., p. 163-169

Contact information

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Date

January 10, 1839

Topic

  • Smithson Bequest
  • Policies
  • Education
  • Debates
  • Act to establish the "Smithsonian Institution," for the Increase and Diffusion of Knowledge Among Men
  • National University

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