The act passed in 1862 that established land-grant colleges in the U.S. is known as the Morrill Act. This legislation was designed to promote higher education in agriculture, science, and engineering, which were seen as vital for the economic growth of the nation. By granting federal land to states that could then sell it to fund colleges, the Morrill Act helped expand educational opportunities and contributed to the development of many universities that still exist today. These institutions played a critical role in shaping the agricultural and technical expertise of the American populace.