Cities & Communities : Washington DC : Tenleytown

Tenleytown History, and Historical Sites

If you are thinking of purchasing real estate in Washington DC's Tenleytown neighborhood, read on.  Tenleytown is the second oldest village in Washington, DC.  According to the Tenleytown Historical Society Tenleytown was originally part of "Friendship".  Initially, in 1790, this area was known as Tennally's Town, after resident John Tenally.  It was not until the 19th Century that the name was changed to that which identifies it today.

Historical Sites

Whether you are visiting, thinking of relocating, or currently live in Tenleytown, there are several historical sites in this subdivision of the District that may pique your interest, including:

• The Rest
• This home, constructed in 1700 by Charles Jones is believed to be one of the earliest houses in this area.
• Fort Reno
• At the highest elevation in the District, it was constructed by the United States Army in 1861 and is one of a ring of Civil War Defenses.  Fort Reno was constructed due to its strategic location, on today's Wisconsin Avenue, providing a long and clear line of sight.  It was one of the largest and strongest of the ring forts
• Sears, Roebuck & Co.
• This department store was located at the intersection of Wisconsin Ave and Albemarle St.  Its commercial building was constructed in 1941, and was a shining example of the Art Deco style of architecture.  One of the unique features of this building was its parking; being a groundbreaking idea having been situating on the building's rooftop.  In the 1990s Sears moved from this location and Hechinger's, a hardware store, moved in until the late 1990s.  In the 2000s this building was converted to a mixed-use facility with luxurious condos on its top level, with a Best Buy, Container Store, and Ace hardware on the street level below.
• The Hilleary T. Burrows House
• This home was fashioned in the Queen Anne style.  It was designed by H. Galloway Ten Eyck and built by B.N. Burgoyne in 1897.  This was one of the first houses that was constructed in the American University Park Subdivision. One of the unique things about the architecture of this home is its wrap around porch.  Its original lot remains undivided, even today.
• Engine Co. #20
• This is the second oldest firehouse in the District, built prior to World War II, still standing.  The original structure for this building was built in 1900, with an addition in 1913.   It was designed by Leon E. Dessez.
• Convent of Bon Secours
• This building was designed for the Sisters of Bon Secours, a convent of nursing sisters.  In 1966, the convent stopped its operation and the building was sold to the French Embassy who turned it into the French international School.