
Military Road School - View this location on map ![]() This small neighborhood school, erected on the site of one of the city's first public schools for freedmen (built 1864-65), retains its historical connection with the struggle by African-Americans to secure the benefits of public education. Originally situated under the protective watch of Fort Stevens, and now adjacent to the greensward of parklands connecting the Civil War forts, the school documents the presence of Washington's vanished refugee settlements and their dependence on military encampments. The new building, as one of the city's first public buildings designed by the office of Municipal Architect (established 1909), and reviewed by the Commission of Fine Arts (established 1910), reflects attempts during the Progressive era to enhance the quality of public architecture throughout the city. It is a fine representative example of the work of Washington architect Snowden Ashford, built in 1911-12. The building is 2-1/2 stories, one room deep with a central entrance porch, gently flared hipped roof, wide scrolled eaves, and octagonal cupola; facades are red brick accented by stucco panels and limestone trim; to maintain left-hand daylighting in all four classrooms, the large banks of multi-paned windows on one side of the facade are balanced by recessed brick panels on the other. The site may possess archaeological potential. 1375 Missouri Avenue NW, Washington , DC Historical |