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 shares the highest point in the city with neighboring American University Park 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 houses Fort Reno, one of a ring of forts built to protect Washington DC from invasion during the Civil War. After the war, the fort was dismantled and is now a federal park which hosts a summer concert series of local bands.

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.

Tenleytown was transformed in 1941 when Sears Roebuck opened its department store on Wisconsin Avenue. The building later became Hechinger's and is a mixed-use development, with condos and a Best Buy, Container Store, and a hardware store.

External links

• Tenleytown Neighborhood Associaiton
• Tenleytown Historical Society