Tenleytown

Tenleytown is the historic name for a neighborhood in northwest Washington, DC. It is the second oldest neighborhood in Washington, being surpassed in age only by Georgetown. Additionally, Tenleytown is the highest point in the city at 410 feet (the city's lowest point, Potomac River is 1 ft. above sea level).

In 1790, the area was called Tennally's Town, named after resident John Tennally and his tavern. The area became known as Tenleytown in the 19th century, although the spelling Tennallytown was also in use for some time, as photographs of streetcars will attest.

Tenleytown and adjacent American University Park are serviced by the Tenleytown-AU stop on the Washington Metro Red Line. The mostly residential area acts as the "town" for American University, and a shuttle runs from the Metro stop to the main campus. The neighborhood is centered on Tenley Circle.

Tenleytown was predominantly [African-American] until the mid-20th century. Since then, many white residents have moved into the area from [Anacostia], which has since become predominantly African American. Tenleytown is home to one of the largest public high schools in the District: Woodrow Wilson Senior High School. It is the location of some major independent schools, such as Sidwell Friends School and Georgetown Day School.

External links

• Tenleytown Neighborhood Associaiton
• Tenleytown Historical Society