Pleasant Plains in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Howard University
Sixth Street and Howard Place, NW
— African American Heritage Trail, Washington DC —
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, July 13, 2008
1. Howard University Marker
Howard University, one of the oldest Black colleges in the United States, was established by Congress in 1866 to educate formerly enslaved individuals. Its name honors Freedman's Bureau Commissioner General Oliver Otis Howard, a member of the white First Congregational Society of Washington, D.C., which originally conceived of the school as a theological seminary to train black ministers. Mordecai Wyatt Johnson, who became president in 1926, shaped Howard into a modern institution. The university incubated many of the civil rights successes of the 19th and 20th centuries, and its alumni roster reads like a Who's Who of African Americans.
Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the African American Heritage Trail, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.
Location. 38° 55.345′ N, 77° 1.257′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Pleasant Plains. Marker is at the intersection of 6th Street Northwest
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "Strike!" (a few steps from this marker); Rankin Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker); Day of Honor 2000 (within shouting distance of this marker); Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (within shouting distance of this marker); Andrew F. Hilyer Residence Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tau Beta Pi (about 300 feet away); Howard Hall (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
More about this marker.
Photo caption:
Howard University students in a biology class, 1920s
Howard University Archives.
Also see . . .
1. Howard University. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on July 26, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
2. We Shall Overcome: Travel Places of the Civil Rights Movement. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on July 27, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
3. Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall, Founders Library
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, January 3, 2006
2. Howard University Marker
Marker is visible on the brick gateway, to the left of the pedestrian entrance. Rankin Chapel is behind the foliage in the background.
4. Albert Cassell, Architect. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on June 30, 2013, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional keywords. HBCU, Charles Houston, Thurgood Marshall,General Oliver Otis Howard; Albert_Cassell, architect; HBCUs
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 1, 2013
3. Howard University Marker
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, July 13, 2008
4. Founder's Library - National Historic Landmark
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 1, 2013
5. Howard University students in biology class, 1920s
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 1, 2013
6. Founders Library Clock Tower
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,128 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on June 30, 2013, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 26, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 3. submitted on July 11, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4. submitted on July 26, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 5, 6. submitted on July 5, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
