A Shared Neighborhood

Historical marker location:

1501 U Street Northwest, U Street Corridor, District of Columbia

( Marker is at the intersection of U Street Northwest and 15th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling west on U Street Northwest.)

City Within a City. Greater U Street 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.