The idea behind the University of Texas was conceived in the 1827 Constitutción de Coahuila y Texas. After Texas gained its independence, the Congress of Texas adopted the Constitution of the Republic, which set a provision to establish public education in republic. On January 26, 1839, Congress agreed to set aside fifty leagues of land for the establishment of two universities and colleges. In addition, forty acres in the new capital of Austin were reserved and designated “College Hill.”
- The "idea behind" was "conceived" -- not sure what that means and it's overly wordy. What idea, conceived how? What is the Constitucion de Coahuila y Texas? We mention it rather quickly and don't explain what it was. That would be OK if there were an article on it, but there isn't... so, we need to explain what it is. Just something quick. Again... "set a provision to establish public education in republic," not sure what that means. Some of this perhaps can just be consolidated. Also, the last two sentences imply the 50 leagues were set aside somewhere other than Austin; is that true? If so it should be specified.
- Here is how I'd rework the paragraph:
"The University of Texas was first mentioned in 1827 as part of the Constitution de Coahuila y Texas, the XXXXX (whatever this document was), which stipulated that ... (whatever it said about the university -- otherwise we haven't told people why they should care). After Texas gained its independence, the Congress of Texas set about establishing a public education system, including higher education. On January 26, 1839, the Texas Congress agreed to set aside 50 leagues of land for two new universities. In addition, 40 acres of land in the new capital, Austin, were reserved and designated "College Hill." This would eventually become the site of the University of Texas.
Otherwise I think things look good, just a few minor copyediting issues. Nice job! · Katefan0(scribble)/my ridiculous poll 04:16, 4 December 2005 (UTC)
- I'll edit the paragraph soon with your changes and some clarifications; in case it's still a bit vague for one reason or another, here's how the whole "50 leagues" thing worked out:
- 1. in 1839, Congress agreed to set aside 50 leagues, but didnt specify exactly where
- 2. in the Act of 1858, Congress agreed that the land would come from those given to the state to encourage railroad construction - this did not occur due to civil war
- 3. Constitution of 1876: "univ of first class," revoked the railroad land, but granted 1 million acres in west Texas, then 2 million more a few years later
- Note: these lands did not encompass and were not a part of the forty acres in Austin
- Thanks for your help, again, Kate. 70-3 today - we ought to get make this article the FA on 01/04/2006! Hook 'em! -Rebelguys2 09:07, 4 December 2005 (UTC)
- I'll edit the paragraph soon with your changes and some clarifications; in case it's still a bit vague for one reason or another, here's how the whole "50 leagues" thing worked out: