1797 > 1863 > 1897 > 1900 > 1940 > 1980 > present day

Paradigm College and Agricultural School - 1863

During the Civil War, or the "war between the states," as some of the locals referred to it, Paradigm College bid for and was appointed the state's Land Grant College. As a condition of the land grant, Paradigm was required to offer courses of study in scientific agriculture, mechanical arts, and military science. Profits from the sale of land associated with the Morrill Act were used to bolster the endowment of these programs at Paradigm. The new science hall, which was under construction at the time Paradigm was appointed the Land Grant institution, was renamed Morrill Hall, in honor of Senator Justin Morrill of Maine. The main building was greatly expanded and modern conveniences were installed. The college farm was expanded to provide courses in agriculture and scientific farming. As early as the 1850's students at Paradigm were held to a strict military regimen. Rising at five in the morning for drill, cadets were kept to a strict schedule until lights out every evening at 11:00 PM. Paradigm continued its tradition as a respected school of arts and letters. Shakespeare was still to be heard in the halls of Old Main, and the college's famous debating societies vigorously discussed the most pressing issues of the day. During the Civil War, the wards of Paradigm Hospital were greatly expanded to tend to those injured in battle. On commencement day in 1864, President Horatio Elderness noted in his address, "Paradigm has grown into a modern college, an institute of scientific agriculture, and a model for the teaching of medicine. Nowhere in the land can one find a more advanced and rigorous course of study. Paradigm has at last reached the pinnacle of its growth. Her founding fathers could not have imagined such a place of learning would be possible in the wilderness. And now, with pleasure I can say that through our actions their dream is complete. Paradigm has matured and grown and shall remain so in perpetuity."

1863 Facts:

Enrollment: 130
Faculty and Staff: 18
Tuition, Room and Board: $100/year
Facilities: 78,504 GSF (based upon insurance records)