Community Builders

Historical marker location:

3475 14th Street Northwest, Columbia Heights, District of Columbia

( Marker is at the intersection of Otis Place Northwest and 14th Street Northwest on Otis Place Northwest.)

Marker installed: 2004

Cultural Convergence. Columbia Heights 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.