Howard University Walking Tour

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1. Howard University Hospital (Freedmen's Hospital Historical Marker)

A small historic marker at the entrance of Howard University Hospital commemorates Freedman's Hospital which was established near this location in 1862. The first hospital was located at 12th and R Street and seven years later, a new hospital was constructed at this location. A teaching hospital, Freedman's Hospital trained nurses, physicians, and surgeons who upon graduation established practices and worked at hospitals throughout the nation. A new building was completed in 1908 and this third version of Freedmen’s Hosptial was in operation from 1908 to 1975. That facility, located on Bryant Street, closed when Howard University Hospital opened this facility and the building now houses the Howard University School of Communications.

2. Howard Medical College

Howard Medical College dates back to November 9, 1868, when the Medical Department of Howard University held its first classes with five faculty members and eight students. Seven of the eight students were African Americans, and as the department grew along with the university, a rising number of Black physicians joined the ranks of Howard graduates. The founding faculty members included four white and one African American professor, Dr. Alexandra Augusta. Augusta was the forebearer of many African American physicians whose career served African American communities at a time when they were denied service in many doctor's offices and hospitals. And like Augusta, these graduates became leaders in the military, civil service, business, and community organizations.

3. Thirkield Hall and the Founding of Omega Psi Phi

Thirkfield Hall was constructed in 1901 and thirty-five years later, it was named in honor of Wilbur P. Thirkield, the 8th President of Howard University. Thirkield Hall is also the birthplace of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. The building holds the Physics Department of Howard University, arguably the most influential and historically significant private Black universiy in the United States.

4. Founders Library, Howard University

One of the most notable buildings on Howard University's historic campus, Founder’s Library was designed and constructed in the 1930s by African American architect and Howard professor Albert I. Cassell. The library was a monumental accomplishment for the university at the time of its completion as it allowed the expansion of volumes to grow from 85,000 to 500,000. Recently named a national treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the building continues to grow and better suit students’ needs in the 21st century.

5. Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall, Howard University

Constructed in 1935, Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall remains a symbol of Howard University, which is widely recognized as one of the leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The building stands in honor of one of the leading abolitionists and intellectuals of the 19th century and showcases the architectural work of former Howard professor Albert Cassell. Cassell became one of the most successful African American architects during the mid 20th Century. Visitors will notice the unique U-shape of the building and can tour the interior which contains classrooms and various academic departments.

6. Howard University Gallery of Art

Established in 1928 and located in Childers Hall, Howard University's Gallery of Art offers a mixture of European, African, and American works in a permanent collection that includes such works as Henry O. Tanner’s Return from the Crucifixion. Among the works displayed at the museum are those of Edmonia Lewis, the first professional African-American and Native-American sculptor.

7. Howard Hall

This building was the historic home of General Oliver Otis Howard, a Unionist during the American Civil War and co-founder of Howard University - one of the earliest higher level institutions devoted to the education of freedmen. It served as his residence while he was president of the University between 1869 and 1874, and is the oldest surviving building in the campus. It was added to the list of National Historic Landmarks in Washington, D.C. in May, 1974.

This Tour is a Walking Tour.

Howard University Walking Tour

Created by Clio Admin on May 6th 2018, 6:57:27 pm.

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Description

This walking tour includes landmarks found on the campus of Howard University, a leading historically black university established in 1867. Howard is a private university and consistently ranks among the top research universities in a variety of categories. Howard has trained many leading historians, attorneys, and physicians and its archives hold significant collections related to African American history. This walking tour is a work in progress and we encourage Howard students, faculty, and alumni to add buildings and landmarks to Clio so that we might add them to this tour.

Entries on This Tour

Howard University Walking Tour

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