American University - Tenleytown

Tenleytown dates back to the 1700s and is the second oldest settlement in the D.C. area, next to Georgetown. It was originally the last outpost for farmers delivering their wares from Frederick, MD to Georgetown. Tenleytown is also home to Fort Reno, which is highest point in the city at over 400 feet.

Prior to acquiring its current name, the area was referred to as Tennally’s Town after John Tennally, who owned a popular watering hole on what is now the corner of River Road and Wisconsin Avenue.

The growth of Tenleytown did not begin until the late 1800s when the D.C. streetcar line connected Tenleytown to the Downtown D.C. area. The 18th century area, “Old Tenleytown” encompassed what is now broken down into three separate neighborhoods: Tenleytown, American University Park and Friendship Heights.