Mix of Cultures

Historical marker location:

2301 11th Street Northwest, Columbia Heights, District of Columbia

( Marker is on Florida Avenue Northwest east of 11th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling west.)

Everyday People Columbia Heights Art on Call

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.