John Mercer Langston School, School building in Truxton Circle, Washington D.C.
The John Mercer Langston School is a brick building with two towers marking separate entrances on its front in Truxton Circle. The structure contains eight classrooms across two floors and displays distinctive architectural details, including Stars of David carved above the second-floor windows.
The building opened in 1902 to serve growing numbers of Black students during the era of segregation. It merged with another school in the 1910s but returned to independent operation by 1951.
The school honors John Mercer Langston, a prominent lawyer and political leader who championed education for Black children. His legacy represents the community's pursuit of opportunity through learning.
The building displays Renaissance Revival architecture and sits in an accessible location within Truxton Circle. Visitors can appreciate the exterior architectural features and historical design from the street.
The two towers on the front elevation originally marked separate entrances for boys and girls, reflecting the divided school practices of its early years. This architectural choice reveals how social norms shaped the building's design.
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