Oliver Otis Howard
United States Army Medal of Honor recipient and Union Army general
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Q: Who was Oliver Otis Howard?
A: Oliver Otis Howard was a prominent American general during the Civil War and served as the head of the Freedmen's Bureau after the war. He is also known for founding Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Q: What role did Oliver Otis Howard play in the Civil War?
A: During the Civil War, Howard initially served as a brigade commander in the Army of the Potomac and later became a division commander. He is most famous for his leadership at the Battle of Gettysburg, where he led a successful defensive stand on Cemetery Hill.
Q: What is the Freedmen's Bureau, and why is Oliver Otis Howard associated with it?
A: The Freedmen's Bureau was a federal agency established to assist and protect the rights of newly freed slaves in the aftermath of the Civil War. Howard was appointed as its Commissioner in 1865 and played a crucial role in providing education, healthcare, and legal assistance to freedmen.
Q: Why is Oliver Otis Howard credited with founding Howard University?
A: Oliver Otis Howard founded Howard University in 1867 with the goal of providing higher education to African Americans. It was originally named the Howard Theological Seminary and later expanded to include schools of law, medicine, and liberal arts. The university was named in his honor to recognize his contributions to education for African Americans.
Q: Did Oliver Otis Howard hold any other important positions in his career?
A: Yes, Howard held several other important positions in his career. After leaving the Freedmen's Bureau, he served as the superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he made significant reforms. He also played a role in Indian Affairs and was involved in negotiating treaties with Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest.