Original Patentees Memorial

Historical marker location:

610 15th Street Northwest, Downtown Washington, District of Columbia

( Marker can be reached from 15th Street Northwest north of Constitution Avenue Northwest (Route 50), on the left when traveling north.)

Marker installed: 1936

Settlers of the District of Columbia Memorial.

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.