Dupont Circle in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Living Mural: Paul Laurence Dunbar
By Cory L. Stowers and Eric B. Ricks, 2015
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 9, 2018
Paul Laurence Dunbar (June 27, 1872 - February 9, 1906) was an American poet, novelist, and playwright of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Dayton, Ohio, to parents who had been enslaved in Kentucky before the American Civil War, Dunbar started to write as a child and was president of his high school's literary society. He published his first poems at the age of 16 in a Dayton newspaper.
Much of his more popular work in his lifetime was written in the Negro dialect associated with the antebellum South. His work was praised by William Dean Howells, a leading critic associated with the Harper's Weekly, and Dunbar was one of the first African-American writers to establish a national reputation. He wrote the lyrics for the musical comedy, In Dahomey (1903), the first all-African-American musical produced on Broadway; the musical also toured in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The Dunbar Hotel (1945-1974) Named for Paul Laurence Dunbar; this 6-story building was originally built as in 1897, an apartment house for white residents; it closed briefly in the early 1940s and when reopened as The Dunbar Hotel it contained 485 bedrooms with baths. In the days of segregated Washington, The Dunbar Hotel offered an oasis for many African-Americans including prominent local figures and major entertainers who traveled to DC to appear in the numerous theaters along U Street.
#ARTBLOCDC #15ANDU #LIVINGMURAL #PAULLAURENCEDUNBAR
Erected 2015 by Art B.L.O.C., 15&U, Aurasma, The JBG Companies.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is February 9, 1872.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 38° 55.012′ N, 77° 2.099′ W. Marker was in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It was in Dupont Circle. Marker could be reached from U Street Northwest west of 15th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling east. On the west wall of Bread Bite Bakery. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 1506 U Street Northwest, Washington DC 20009, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A Shared Neighborhood (within shouting distance of this marker); Paul Laurence Dunbar Apartments (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Northumberland Apartments (about 400 feet away); A Prestige Address (about 400 feet away); Strong Families and Eminent Citizens (about 500 feet away); This is part of the Shaw neighborhood
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 9, 2018
Also see . . .
1. Paul Laurence Dunbar. (Submitted on March 9, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
2. Paul Laurence Dunbar. (Submitted on March 9, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 9, 2018
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 230 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 9, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.