U.S. Arsenal Explosion Memorial

Historical marker location:

1801 E Street Southeast, Barney Circle, District of Columbia

( Memorial can be reached from the intersection of 17th Street Southeast and G Street Southeast, on the right when traveling north.)

Marker installed: 2014

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.