Functioning as the Nation's First Proving Ground

Historical marker location:

Navy Yard, District of Columbia

( Marker is on M Street Southeast west of 10th Street Southeast, on the right when traveling east.)

Firepower. Behind These Walls

The District was the site of a major flood in 1889: On June 4, 1889, a massive flood swept through the city, causing extensive damage and killing more than 20 people. The flood was caused by heavy rainfall and a failure of the city's sewer system.