1960 / 2000

Historical marker location:

1200 New Jersey Avenue Southeast, Navy Yard, District of Columbia

( Marker can be reached from Tingey Street Southeast east of New Jersey Avenue Southeast, on the left when traveling east.)

The District was the site of the first U.S. public school for black students: The M Street School (later known as Dunbar High School) was founded in 1870 and was the first public school in the United States for black students. The school became known for its high academic standards and produced many notable alumni, including civil rights leader and educator Mary McLeod Bethune.