Cardinal Direction Marker: East

Historical marker location:

339 Maryland Avenue Southwest, The National Mall, District of Columbia

( Marker is at the intersection of Maryland Avenue Southwest and 3rd Street Southwest, on the right when traveling west on Maryland Avenue Southwest.)

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.