Oliver Otis Howard devoted his life to the service of his country, both
as a distinguished army officer in two wars and as the founder of two
universities. Oliver Otis Howard was a graduate of Bowdoin College and
of West Point. Being reared in a pious New England (Maine) atmosphere
gave him a deep sense of obligation to lead a Christian life, for the
good of others and for the development of his own best self. He was
often disturbed by the conflict presented him in his dual career in
peace and war.
General Howard's strong sense of duty to his country brought about his
distinguished career of command during the Civil War--at the Battle of
Chancellorsville, itself a disappointing rout, and at Gettysburg, where
he recovered any reputation the earlier defeat might have lost him.
Under General Sherman, in the Atlanta campaign, and as a leader of the
Army of the Tennessee he won special distinction. In total, Howard
fought at the First Bull Run, Fair Oaks (where severe wounds forced the
amputation of his right arm), Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg,
Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg.
The same strong sense of duty made him accept the commission of the
Freedmen's Bureau and the promotion of African-American education.
Following his service in the Nez Perce Campaign of 1877 he was
superintendent of West Point and the founder of Lincoln Memorial
University. His greatest service to education, however, was as founder
and president of Howard University, where his name and career are held
in honor.
