Blending Old and New

Historical marker location:

393 N St SW, Southwest Waterfront, District of Columbia

( Marker is at the intersection of 4th Street Southwest and N Street Southwest, on the right when traveling north on 4th Street Southwest.)

Marker installed: 2004

River Farms to Urban Towers. Southwest 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.