Safe Havens

Historical marker location:

1600 9th Street Northwest, Shaw, District of Columbia

( Marker is at the intersection of 9th Street Northwest and Rhode Island Avenue Northwest (U.S. 29) on 9th Street Northwest.)

Marker installed: 2006

Midcity at the Crossroads. Shaw Heritage Trail.

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.