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However, as the sport evolved, so did its demographic and cultural accessibility. The entrance of the Morrill Act in 1862 changed the landscape of education in the United States, granting federal lands to establish public universities aimed at providing education for the masses. This shift allowed many western states to build institutions that became focal points for local pride, creating a vibrant football culture that resonated with the community. The land-grant institutions encouraged public involvement and nurtured state identities through football, while the Northeast remained tied to its exclusive private universities.