Gen Oliver Otis Howard House

  • Also Known As: Howard Hall

  • Address: 607 Howard Pl
  • Travel Genus: Sight
  • Sight Category: Building

The General Oliver Otis Howard House is located on the campus of Howard University. Constructed between 1867 and 1869, it was the home of Major General Oliver Otis Howard, the founder of the school and its first President from 1869 to 1873. The house still retains many of its decorative elements such as the high mansard roof, elaborate dormer windows, tower, and decorative iron balustrades. The Board of Howard University was able, through General Howard, to purchase a one-acre lot including a frame building to begin operation of the school. The Howard House was among the first buildings constructed. Although the Trustees voted to give General Howard a lot upon which to build a residence, he instead purchased the lot for $1000.

In 1909, when the University began to expand, the Howard House was purchased. The house has had varied uses over the past century. For example, between 1936-1942, the Howard House was the home of Miss Lulu V. Childers, and served as the Conservatory of Music which she directed. From 1967 to 1972, the African Language Center and African Studies Department were located there. The building presently is used for conferences and special events. - NPS


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Timeline

Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
1869/00/00 Oliver Otis Howard Home Built between 1867 and 1869 for Oliver Howard.
1909/00/00 Howard University Owner Acquired by Howard University

Data »

Particulars for Gen Oliver Otis Howard House:
Sight Category Building
Higher Learning College
Area of Significance Education
Criteria Historic Event
Architectural Style Late Victorian
Level of Significance National
Criteria Person
Owner Private
Historic Use Single dwelling
Area of Significance Social History



US National Registry of Historic Places Data »

Accurate at time of registration:

PLACE DETAILS
Registry Name:
Registry Address:
Registry Number: 74002163
Resource Type:
Owner: Private
Architect: unknown
Architectural Style: Late victorian
Other Certification: Designated National Landmark
Nominator Name: National Historic Landmark
CULTURAL DETAILS
Level of Significance: National
Area of Significance: Education, Social history
Applicable Criteria: Event, Person
Period of Significance: 1875-1899, 1850-1874
Significant Year: 1867
Associated People: Howard,Gen. Oliver Otis
Historic Function: Education, Domestic
Historic Sub-Function: College, Single dwelling
Current Function: Education
Current Sub-Function: College

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