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 Potomac River is 1 ft. above sea level).

Related Topics:
Washington, DC - Georgetown - Potomac River

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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.

Related Topics:
1790 - Photograph - Streetcar

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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 around Tenley Circle.

Related Topics:
Tenleytown-AU - Washington Metro - Red Line - American University

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Tenleytown was a black neighborhood until the mid-20th century, when black and white residents essentially switched sides of the city. The previously white Anacostia became almost completely black, and Tenleytown became white. 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 is also the last neighborhood heading north on Wisconsin Avenue, right before Friendship Heights, which is mostly in Maryland.

Related Topics:
Anacostia - Sidwell Friends School - Georgetown Day School - Friendship Heights

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