General Oliver Otis Howard House

The General Oliver Otis Howard House is a brick residence from the post-Civil War era standing on the Howard University campus. The structure rises two and a half stories with a distinctive mansard roof and a three-story tower at its southwest corner, displaying the refined Second Empire architectural style of that period.

The house was built in 1867 as the residence of General Oliver Otis Howard, who directed the Freedmen's Bureau and established the university for Black students. It stands as one of few structures remaining from the early Reconstruction period on campus, showing how central this institution was from its inception.

The house connects military leadership to educational reform, as its former resident established the university to provide learning opportunities for formerly enslaved people. Visitors can sense in its rooms the founding era and understand why this building holds meaning for the development of African American intellectual life.

The building sits within an active university campus surrounded by related historical and academic sites. Visitors should check ahead about access times, as the structure may not be freely accessible during events or when administrative functions are taking place.

The house is the only remaining building from the university's founding phase during the Reconstruction period still standing in its original location. This rarity makes it a tangible survivor of the critical founding era for African American education in the nation.

Location: Washington, D.C.

GPS coordinates: 38.92306,-77.02222

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:06