William Bramwell Powell (December 22, 1836 – February 6, 1904) was an American educator, author and superintendent of schools who co-founded the National Geographic Society.

[1][2] He was born in Castile, New York, on December 22, 1836 to Mary Dean and Joseph Powell.

Powell spent sixteen years in Aurora, Illinois, where he was the superintendent of schools.

[1] In 1885 he was appointed superintendent of schools in Washington DC, and in 1888 he co-founded the National Geographic Society, of which he was vice-president in 1894.

[1][3] Powell Elementary School in Washington, DC is named in his honor.