Fort Bayard

Historical marker location:

American University Park, District of Columbia

( Marker is at the intersection of River Road Northwest and Western Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling south on River Road Northwest.)

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.