Design of this stamp commemorated the centennial of the law creating land-grant colleges and universities. The stamp also pointed out the role higher education has played in the cultural and industrial development of the United States. Congress passed legislation for the land-grant colleges, the Morrill Act, in 1862. The act gave federal lands to provide resources for states that would establish colleges to prepare students in agriculture and the mechanical arts. Land-grant colleges and universities developed in all 50 states, with a tradition of providing a broad range of applied, scientific knowledge; accessible, low-cost education; a comprehensive curriculum, including undergraduate and graduate programs; and a goal of public service to citizens.