Logan Circle in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church

15th and R streets, NW

— African American Heritage Trail, Washington DC —

Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 13, 2018

1. Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church Marker

Inscription. The Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church has been a vital religious, educational, and social center since 1841. It was founded by John F. Cook, Sr. (ca. 1810-1855), who rose from slavery to run Union Seminary and become Washington's first black Presbyterian pastor. Among the church's pastors have been some of the most important abolitionists, orators, and civil rights activists of their days, including the Rev. Henry Highland Garnet (1864-1866) and the Rev. Francis J. Grimke (1877-1928). In 1870 the country's first black high school (now Dunbar) was established at Fifteenth Street Presbyterian. The church moved to this site in 1918. The current building was completed in 1979.

Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the African American Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.

Location. 38° 54.772′ N, 77° 2.062′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is

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in Logan Circle. It is on 15th Street Northwest north of R Street Northwest, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1501 15th Street Northwest, Washington DC 20009, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in the Tidewater,

and in the Chesapeake Bay Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bishop's Gate Condominium (within shouting distance of this marker); The Dupont Circle area has always been (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Georgia Douglas Johnson Residence (about 500 feet away); The Hawarden (about 500 feet away); This section of 15th St. (about 500 feet away); Votes for Women (about 700 feet away); Paying Attention (about 700 feet away); Embassy of the Republic of Congo (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest

Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 13, 2018

2. Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church

Washington.

More about this marker.
Caption:
Rev. Francis J. Grimke
Scurlock Studio Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 2,604 times since then and 202 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 14, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.