Drum and Spear Bookstore Site

Historical marker location:

2701 14th Street Northwest, Columbia Heights, District of Columbia

( Marker can be reached from the intersection of 14th Street Northwest and Fairmont Street Northwest.)

African American Heritage Trail, Washington, DC. 1371 Fairmont Street, NW.

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.