Welcome
“Burt” is more than
a high school, it is
more than a
community center;
it is the name of
one of Clarksville’s
first black doctors.
Born Dr. Robert
Tecumseh Burt on November 25, 1873 in
Mississippi, Dr Burt was destined for success. At a
young age he knew that education was the key to
opportunity, at 16 Dr Burt left the cotton fields of
Mississippi and entered Jackson College where he
received his teaching certificate. He continued his
education in Nashville, TN where he attend
Meharry Medical College and received his medical
degree.
Dr. Burt opened Clarksville’s first black hospital
“the Home Infirmary”. The hospital went from 3
rooms to 32 rooms equipped with the most
modern conveniences at the time. A skilled
surgeon, patients came from as far as North
Dakota to receive care. Black and White doctors
alike consulted with Dr. Burt. He was even
consulted when Clarksville Memorial Hospital was
built. Dr. Burt also trained the surgeon who
would later perform the first operation on the
human heart.
Dr. Burt was not only a surgeon, but also an
important business man in the Clarksville
community. He was the first black Chamber of
Commerce member and an investor in a local
bank.
A business man and skilled surgeon, Dr. Burt’s
first love was education, so it was only fitting that
the first black high school bear his name.
Dr. Burt died in 1955 at the age of 81 and “The
Home Infirmary” was destroyed by fire in 1992,
but his legacy still lives on.
An esteemed business man, husband, father and
surgeon Dr. Burt has left a legacy of commitment,
perseverance and excellence.
The Burt High School
2024 Reunion
Information
The 2024 BHS Reunion will be
July 4 through July 7, 2024
Scholarship Fund
The purpose of the BHSR
Association is to provide
scholarships to descents of
those that matriculated at Burt
High School. The Association
depend largely on donations
made by Burtites and other
BHSRA supporters to fund our
Scholarship Program. Donate to
support a child’s academic goals.
Mission Statement
Our goal is to provide
scholarships for descendants of
those that matriculated at Burt
High School between the years
of 1923 to 1970, by encouraging
and promoting higher levels of
education. To keep the Burt High
School Legacy alive by instilling
in our descendants values,
integrity and ethics that were an
integral part of being a student
at Burt High School.
Dr. Robert T. Burt
© Burt High School Reunion Association All Rights Reserved 2015
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Extended To June 10th
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