WHIG PARTY Public Education
In 1839 Whigs created the first state's public school system. It called for each county to hold an election to decide if it should be taxed on any white child or if they should attend free. If taxes were raised state would supplement the plan with money from a rejuvenated Literary fund. Once a county provided funds, each enighborhood was to get a school. In 1840, Rockingham County opened the first school. Later on, every county had at least one school. By 1850 more than 2000 schools were in operation.
Governor David Swain became president and enrollment tripled under his leadership, while the University in Chapel Hill grew. The University's best-known professor was mathematician Elisha Mitchell, who used his skills to discover the altitude of the highest mountain in the Appalacians. Railroads
In the 1830's a new form of transportation had been developed-- railroads. This invention was very very important to the state of North Carolina. Where canals could not be built, railroads could. Although, this was greatly appreciated in NC, railroads were very expensive. The whigs decided to use state funds to build railroads. But no one knew where the first railroads should be built. Many cities tried to build railroads, but the expense was too high. The whigs decided to use public money. The railroads helped only the east, and soon the west wanted its own railroad.
Public Education
In 1839 Whigs created the first state's public school system. It called for each county to hold an election to decide if it should be taxed on any white child or if they should attend free. If taxes were raised state would supplement the plan with money from a rejuvenated Literary fund. Once a county provided funds, each enighborhood was to get a school. In 1840, Rockingham County opened the first school. Later on, every county had at least one school. By 1850 more than 2000 schools were in operation.
Governor David Swain became president and enrollment tripled under his leadership, while the University in Chapel Hill grew. The University's best-known professor was mathematician Elisha Mitchell, who used his skills to discover the altitude of the highest mountain in the Appalacians.
Railroads
In the 1830's a new form of transportation had been developed-- railroads. This invention was very very important to the state of North Carolina. Where canals could not be built, railroads could. Although, this was greatly appreciated in NC, railroads were very expensive. The whigs decided to use state funds to build railroads. But no one knew where the first railroads should be built. Many cities tried to build railroads, but the expense was too high. The whigs decided to use public money. The railroads helped only the east, and soon the west wanted its own railroad.
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