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History of Howard Elementary

Howard School building
Old Howard building

Howard Elementary traces its roots to 1870, when Fort Smith community members organized to establish a public school for Black children during the era of segregation. The school was named in honor of General Oliver Otis Howard, the head of the Freedmen’s Bureau, whose support helped make its creation possible. At first, the school was known as Howard High School and provided education for both elementary and secondary students, filling a critical gap in educational access at the time.

In 1898, as Fort Smith expanded its school system, older students began attending Lincoln High School, and Howard officially became Howard Elementary School. Soon after, the school became part of Fort Smith Public Schools. Through the years, Howard has remained a vital part of Fort Smith’s history, grounded in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and succeed.

Howard safety patrol members walking on sidewalk
Kids reading at a table
Teacher talking and hugging student

Major Milestones in Howard History

  • 1869-70: Community planning begins, A frame school is built at N 8th and J Street with support from the Freedmen's Bureau.

  • 1884: A federal bill signed by President Chester A. Arthur sets aside land to support public schools in Fort Smith. 

  • 1886: A new four-room building opens at 813 N 8th Street. Four additional rooms were added later as enrollment grows. 

  • 1892: Lincoln School opens

  • 1898: Howard becomes Howard Elementary; Lincoln becomes the secondary school for African American students.

  • Early 1900s: Overcrowding leads to the purchase of two frame houses that are converted into additional classrooms (the Annex).

  • May 1, 1943: A major flood inundates the original campus, forcing early closure that year and accelerating plans for relocating. 

  • 1950: Howard relocates to N 7th and M Street. More wings are added over time to meet student needs.

  • 1994: A tornado damages the auditorium. Community members and local partners help repair and refurbish the space. 

  • 2022: Secure vestibules were added to enhance the safety and security of the school.

Oliver Otis Howard

Who was Oliver Otis Howard?

Oliver Otis Howard (1830–1909) was a U.S. Army officer and educator born in Leeds, Maine. A West Point graduate and mathematics instructor, he rose to major general during the Civil War and later commanded a wing in General William T. Sherman’s campaign. After the war, Howard led the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands (the Freedmen’s Bureau), which supported schools and services for formerly enslaved people and their communities.

Howard’s enduring legacy is educational opportunity. He helped establish Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he served as president (1869–1872), and later founded Lincoln Memorial University (1895). Fort Smith’s Howard School bears his name in recognition of his work expanding access to education during Reconstruction.

Notable People in Howard History

  • Provost Marshal Luginbill — Organized community efforts in 1869 to create a public school for African American children in Fort Smith.

  • Edward Ozro Trent — Early principal (served around three decades across Howard and Lincoln); respected educator fluent in multiple languages and father of jazz bandleader Alphonso Trent.

  • C. M. Greene — Principal at the time of the 1950 dedication of the new Howard campus at N. 7th & “M”.

  • Mrs. Keaton-Martin — Principal noted for expanding student experiences beyond the neighborhood through field trips and community partnerships.

  • Wayne Haver — Southside High School principal who helped restore Howard’s auditorium technology after the 1994 tornado.

  • The Flanders Family — Community supporters who helped protect the playground with a retaining wall.

Discover Our History

Explore the rich history of Howard Elementary. Here, you'll find documents, stories, and resources that highlight key milestones and achievements of our school. Dive into the past to see how Howard Elementary evolved and has made a lasting impact on the community. Click the links below to learn more.

Contribute to Our History

We invite you to share any resources, stories, or photos you may have about Howard Elementary School. Your contributions help preserve the rich history and legacy of our school. Please contact the District Communications Department. 

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