"Founded in 1826, MICA is among the top visual arts colleges in the nation. The ""Maryland Institute for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts"" was established in November 1825, by prominent citizens of the city of Baltimore, such as Fielding Lucas, Jr., (founder of Lucas Brothers - office supply company), John H. B. Latrobe, (lawyer, artist, author, civic leader), Hezekiah Niles, (1777-1839), (founder of national newspaper ""Niles Weekly Register""), Thomas Kelso and others of whom Mr. Latrobe was a long-surviving influence on the early years of the Institute because of his activities as a noted local writer, lawyer, civic leader and inventor."