Functioning as the Navy's First Research and Development Center

Historical marker location:

901 M Street Southeast, Navy Yard, District of Columbia

( Marker is on M Street Southeast east of 9th Street Southeast, on the right when traveling east.)

Innovation. Behind These Walls.

The District was home to a thriving jazz scene in the mid-20th century: From the 1920s through the 1950s, Washington, D.C. was a hub for jazz musicians and clubs. Legendary performers such as Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker played in venues throughout the city.