Central Public Library

Historical marker location:

801 K Street Northwest, Mount Vernon Square, District of Columbia

( Marker is on K Street Northwest east of 9th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling east.)

African American Heritage Trail, Washington, DC. Mount Vernon Square

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.