The Memphis Baptist and Normal Institute was founded in 1888 by Peter Howe of Illinois. It was one of the earliest private educational facilities for African Americans in Memphis. The date it changed name to Howe Institute is unknown, but it was before 1910. In 1902 Thomas O. Fuller, a prominent author, church and civil leader, and person for whom T.O. Fuller State Park was named, was named principal. The campus consisted of the original Howe Building, then an Industrial Shop, which gave space for the printing and sewing departments, and then a Teacher's College building, along with the Clara Howe Dormitory for girls. The Institute also did settlement work. In 1908 there were 12 faculty besides Reverend Fuller, and its departments were: Literary, Industrial (sewing, printing, basketry), Mi