Lincoln Memorial University grew out of love and respect for Abraham Lincoln and today honors his name, values, and spirit. As the legend goes, in 1863, Lincoln suggested to General O. O. Howard, a Union Army officer, said that the people of the Cumberland Gap region were loyal, and he hoped that when the war was done, their loyalty would be rewarded. In commemoration of Lincoln's birthday, the institution was chartered by the State of Tennessee on February 12, 1897, as Lincoln Memorial University. For more information, see Heritage & Mission.