Campus Histories: Oliver Otis Howard & LMU Founding

About Oliver Otis Howard

Early Life and Education

Oliver Otis Howard was born on Nov. 8, 1830, at Leeds, Maine. He attended Bowdoin College from 1846 to 1850, where he developed the basic tenets of his character, becoming a very pious student who conspicuously refrained from drinking, swearing, and smoking. Immediately after graduating from Bowdoin, Howard entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and graduated fourth in his class in 1854. Soon after, he married his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth Ann Wait, and taught mathematics at West Point for several years. Howard considered studying for the Episcopalian ministry, but eventually decided to make the army his career.

Civil War Service and Early Leadership

He threw himself into the Union war effort after the firing on Fort Sumter, obtaining a commission as colonel of the 3rd Maine and leading a brigade at the Battle of First Bull Run on July 21, 1861. Howard was promoted to brigadier general in the fall of 1861 and was wounded at the Battle of Fair Oaks on June 1, 1862. Two bullets slammed into his right arm, forcing surgeons to amputate it. Howard informed Lizzie the day after in a letter that “I am on my way with only my left arm.” He maintained his sense of humor, joking with Maj. Gen. Philip Kearney, who had lost his left arm in the Mexican War, that they would need to buy only one pair of gloves between the two of them from now on.

Recovery and Continued Service

Howard recuperated for three months, the only time during the war that he was off duty, and returned to the Army of the Potomac by September 1862. He commanded a division of the 2nd Corps at the Battle of Antietam on September 17, and led it in the terrible attacks against a strong Confederate position at the Battle of Fredericksburg on December 13. Both battles were very costly and Howard performed well, achieving promotion to major general at the end of the year. But his next assignment, command of the 11th Corps, nearly ended in disaster.

The Battle of Chancellorsville and Career Setback

His largely German unit held the right wing of Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker’s Army of the Potomac at Chancellorsville, and therefore was targeted by Stonewall Jackson’s flank attack on the evening of May 2, 1863. Howard had neglected to properly fortify his position and was caught by surprise. His corps was routed and barely recovered in time to prevent a worst catastrophe. The battle wound up as a dismal Union defeat.

Political Connections and Survival

Yet Howard survived this blow to his career. Newspaper criticism led Hooker to send Howard to Washington to explain the battle to Lincoln, to correct false impressions. Howard’s interview with the president was the first time they had ever met. The young general, only 32 years old, pled his case, but there was no real need to do so, for neither Lincoln nor any other authority thought of replacing him. Howard’s political connections were not crucial in saving his career; rather, his inexperience was seen as the cause of the mistake, and his personal qualities were recognized as valuable for the war effort.

The Battle of Gettysburg and Leadership Growth

Soon after, Howard played a significant role in winning the Battle of Gettysburg. While the 11th Corps was severely beaten in a large fight north of town on July 1, 1863, he established a strong defensive position on the high ground south of town that became the main Union line for the remaining two days of the engagement.

Command of the Army of the Cumberland

In August 1863, Howard, while returning to his command after a leave of absence to visit his family in Maine, stopped in Washington to see Lincoln again. After the 11th Corps and the 12th Corps were ordered to reinforce the Army of the Cumberland after its defeat at Chickamauga, Howard was sent to Chattanooga. He performed well in the Battle of Chattanooga in November 1863, which opened the way for future operations against Atlanta. Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman gave Howard command of the 4th Corps in the Army of the Cumberland.

The Atlanta Campaign and Leadership Selection

Sherman, growing to trust and rely on Howard, chose him to replace Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson after McPherson was killed in battle on July 22, 1864. This was a controversial decision, as Howard was a relative newcomer to the Western armies. Sherman cited Howard’s character and administrative abilities over his combat leadership, believing Howard could successfully manage a large military organization.

Command of the Army of the Tennessee

Howard was named commander of the Army of the Tennessee on July 28, 1864. Despite not having independent command responsibility, he worked under Sherman’s strategic direction and effectively executed operations during the campaign.

Post-War Leadership and the Freedmen’s Bureau

At war’s end, Howard was appointed head of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, commonly known as the Freedman’s Bureau, on May 15, 1865. His task was to assist newly freed slaves, a monumental challenge given limited resources. He advocated for African-American education and used Bureau funds to establish schools, spending over 5 million dollars on education.

Founding of Howard University

Howard played a significant role in the founding of Howard University in 1869. As a member of the founding group, he helped locate land for the campus and financially supported the university, continuing his work to promote education for African-Americans.

The Western Frontier and Native American Advocacy

After his tenure at the Freedman’s Bureau, Howard served on the western frontier, observing and assisting with Native American issues. He balanced his humanitarian concerns with effective administration of resources in this rapidly developing region.

Later Life and the Creation of Lincoln Memorial University

Upon retirement in 1894, Howard became involved in the founding of Lincoln Memorial University, inspired by the desire to create an educational institution as a living memorial to Abraham Lincoln. After meeting with Rev. A.A. Myers, Howard decided to support the creation of the university, which was established in 1896.

Final Years and Continued Dedication to Education

Howard continued to serve the university, raising funds and helping to establish a lasting endowment. Despite personal loss, including the death of his son in the Philippine War, he remained committed to the school until his death on October 26, 1909.

Legacy and Memorial

Howard’s legacy lives on through his contributions to the Union Army, his efforts to support freedmen and Native Americans, and his role in establishing Lincoln Memorial University. The university stands as a living tribute to his vision and dedication to Lincoln’s ideals.

"Oliver O. Howard, Courtesy of the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C." Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Oliver-O-Howard#/media/1/273459/11769. 

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