William Prout: Community Builder

Historical marker location:

1005 Eighth Street Southeast, Navy Yard, District of Columbia

( Marker is at the intersection of 8th Street Southeast and L Street Southeast, on the right when traveling south on 8th Street Southeast.)

Marker installed: 2004

Tour of Duty. Barracks Row Heritage Trail

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.