Words and Deeds

Historical marker location:

801 Mount Vernon Place Northwest, Mount Vernon Square, District of Columbia

( Marker is at the intersection of Mount Vernon Place Northwest (U.S. 1) and 7th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling west on Mount Vernon Place Northwest.)

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.