H I S T O R I C A L   T I M E L I N E :   
1 8 5 0 s - 1 8 6 0 s

October 1853 - North Carolina holds its first State Fair

The North Carolina Agricultural Society organizes the first fair as a means to spread constructive agricultural information to the State's rural populations.

July 2, 1862 - Congress passes the Morrill Act

The Morrill Act is a land scrip act, transferring 30,000 acres of public land to several states. This land is designated for colleges to offer coursework in agriculture, mechanic arts, and military tactics.