Early Life and Education
Oliver Otis Howard was a prominent American military officer and statesman of the 19th century. He was a highly respected Union Army general during the American Civil War and later became the founder of the historically black Howard University. Howard was born in Maine in 1830 and had a distinguished career in the military, education, and civil rights.
Howard attended Bowdoin College and graduated in 1850. After a brief stint as a teacher, he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 1854. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 4th U.S. Artillery and served in Florida and Oregon before the outbreak of the Civil War.
Civil War Service
At the start of the Civil War, Howard was promoted to colonel and served with distinction in several battles, including the Battle of Seven Pines, the Battle of Antietam, and the Battle of Chancellorsville. In 1863, he was promoted to brigadier general and given command of the XI Corps of the Army of the Potomac.
The Battle of Gettysburg
Howard is best known for his role in the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. On the first day of the battle, his corps was stationed on Cemetery Hill and held off repeated Confederate attacks until reinforcements arrived. Despite sustaining heavy losses, Howard's troops held their position and helped turn the tide of the battle in favor of the Union.
Post-War Contributions
After the Civil War, Howard was appointed as the commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau, which was responsible for helping former slaves transition to freedom. He played a significant role in establishing schools for African Americans and advocating for their civil rights.
Founding of Howard University
In 1867, Howard founded Howard University in Washington, D.C., which was the first historically black college in the United States. He served as the university's president until 1873 and helped shape its mission to provide education and opportunities to African Americans.
Advocacy and Recognition
Throughout his life, Howard was a staunch advocate for civil rights and social justice. He was a member of the Radical Republican Party and supported the 14th and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which granted citizenship and voting rights to African Americans. He also supported the temperance movement and advocated for the rights of Native Americans.
In recognition of his service to the country, Howard was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1893 for his actions at Gettysburg. He died in 1909 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Discussion Questions
- Why was Oliver Otis Howard important during and after the Civil War?
- What role did he play in helping freed slaves after the war?
- Why was starting Howard University an important step in history?
- How did Howard’s work support civil rights for African Americans?
Who Was Oliver Otis Howard?
Oliver Otis Howard was a Union general during the Civil War and later helped African Americans gain education and civil rights. He also started Howard University, a school for Black students in Washington, D.C.
Early Life and Education
Howard was born in Maine in 1830. He went to Bowdoin College and then to West Point to become a military officer.
Service in the Civil War
Howard fought in important Civil War battles like Antietam and Gettysburg. At Gettysburg, his troops helped hold the Union line on Cemetery Hill.
Helping Freed Slaves
After the war, Howard led the Freedmen’s Bureau, which helped former slaves find jobs, get education, and receive legal protection. He worked to build schools and promote civil rights for African Americans.
Starting Howard University
In 1867, he helped start Howard University in Washington, D.C., which offered higher education to Black students. He served as the university’s first president.
Legacy and Honors
Howard supported civil rights, voting rights, and equal treatment for African Americans. He was awarded the Medal of Honor and is remembered as a strong voice for equality and justice.
