Downtown Washington, 1801

Historical marker location:

701 15th St Northwest, Downtown Washington, District of Columbia

( Marker is at the intersection of 15th Street Northwest and New York Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling south on 15th Street Northwest.)

Marker installed: 2009

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.