College Lands

In 1787, Manasseh Cutler, as agent for the Ohio Company of Associates, petitioned Congress to purchase a large tract of land in the Northwest Territory.

[1] Thus, when the Continental Congress contracted with the company October 23, 1787[2] included was that “not more than two complete townships should be given perpetually for the purpose of a university; that they be laid off by the purchasers as near the center of the tract as may be and applied to the intended object by the legislature of the state.” Thus, two townships of thirty six square miles each, near the center of the first tract purchased, were reserved for that purpose.

One author says it was because no one could be induced to lease wilderness lands for such a short period,[1] while another maintains bad roads, widely separated trustees, and distraction of impending statehood were responsible.

No leases were taken, as land in adjacent townships could be bought outright for one dollar per acre or less, and no one would risk such re-evaluations.

[1] In February 1805, the state directed that leases should run for 99 years, renewable forever, at six percent of appraised valuation.