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 2026 Reunion Information The 2026 BHS Reunion will be July 3 through July 5, 2026 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.