Discover DC / McPherson Square

Historical marker location:

810 Vermont Avenue Northwest, Downtown Washington, District of Columbia

( Marker is at the intersection of Vermont Avenue Northwest and I Street Northwest, on the right when traveling south on Vermont Avenue Northwest.)

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.