Washington Lodge No. 15 was home to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE). Founded in 1868 as a social club, BPOE is similar to the Freemasons in rites, traditions, and regalia. Until 1973, membership was restricted to white men. A year…

Founded in 1870 as the Preparatory High School for Colored Youth in the basement of the 15th Street Presbyterian Church, the school became the country's first public high school for African Americans. By 1891, the school became known as M Street…