Urban Renewal

Historical marker location:

890 Water Street Southwest, Southwest Waterfront, District of Columbia

( Marker is on District Square Southwest west of Wharf Street Southwest, on the left when traveling west.)

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.