Once called Tennally’s Town, the neighborhood we now know as Tenleytown has a fascinating story. Its roots trace back to a simple tavern. This tavern became the heart of a growing community. So let’s dive into the history of Tenleytown.
Tenleytown owes its existence to John Tennally. He was the proprietor of Tennally’s Tavern. This tavern was a popular spot in the late 1700s. It stood at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and River Road. Before the tavern, the area was called Friendship. Today, the adjacent neighborhood is Friendship Heights.
Tennally’s Tavern became a central point for the developing village. It drew people from the surrounding areas. Maps show the tavern as early as 1791. That was the same year the village became part of the District of Columbia. The Tenleytown Historical Society says Tenleytown is the second oldest village in Washington, D.C.
Residents started calling the area Tennally’s Town because of the tavern. Over time, Tennally’s Town evolved into Tennallytown. By the early 20th century, the official spelling became Tenleytown. In 1984, locals even petitioned to ensure the Metro station was named Tenleytown. It was not to be Tenley Circle.
One of the first official uses of the name was in 1846. It was a post office called Tennallytown Station. This post office was in the upper northwest of what was then Washington County.
Sadly, Tennally’s Tavern no longer exists. But you can still celebrate Tenleytown’s history in other ways. Visit local restaurants.
Guapo’s offers margaritas and salsa. Angelico serves pizza and pasta. Masala Art provides Indian cuisine. Even the local Whole Foods has a bar. You can enjoy beer or wine while you shop.
Tenleytown is located along Wisconsin Avenue. Its boundaries are roughly between Brandywine Street and Van Ness Street. But venture a bit beyond. You will find more dining options.
Satay Club offers Asian noodles, fried rice, and sushi. Cafe Ole features Mediterranean tapas. Osman & Joe’s Steak ‘n Egg Kitchen is a 24/7 diner.
Tenleytown is nestled in upper Northwest D.C. It is the District’s second oldest community. It blends a quiet neighborhood with an urban center. Tenleytown offers a wonderful place to live, work, and explore.
Take a walk along Top of the Town: Tenleytown Heritage Trail. This trail highlights key areas and landmarks. It covers more than three miles. It showcases eras in Tenleytown’s past. Guides are available at the Tenley/Friendship Library. You can also find them online.
Tenleytown developed as a rural village in the late 18th century. It was far from the federal government’s seat. The village grew around Tennally’s Tavern. The tavern accommodated wagon traffic moving to Georgetown. The commercial area had a few stores, a blacksmith shop, and a church. Farms, orchards, dairies, and forests surrounded it.
During the Civil War, Tenleytown housed Union forces. They protected the District. Fort Pennsylvania was built in 1861. It was later renamed Fort Reno. It stood on the highest point in the District. After the war, Reno City evolved on the former fort site. It was a racially mixed community.
The streetcar connected Tenleytown to downtown Washington in 1890. This led to significant growth. White middle-class subdivisions appeared by the 1920s. Despite protests, the government condemned parts of Reno City. They made way for Deal Middle School and Wilson Senior High School. Water towers and park land were also built. The park land is known today as Fort Reno Park.
Tenleytown experienced a decline when Sears Roebuck and Hechinger closed. However, the area rebounded. Whole Foods Market opened. CVS Pharmacy moved into the former Hechinger’s building. Best Buy, The Container Store, and Ace Hardware opened in the old Sears building. The rebuilt Tenley-Friendship Branch Library opened in 2011. It became a center of community life again.
New residential buildings have brought apartment living to Tenleytown. New restaurants are enlivening the commercial strip. The iconic Middle C Music store remains.
Tenleytown values education. Janney Elementary School, Alice Deal Middle School, and Woodrow Wilson High School have been renovated. American University’s Washington College of Law has relocated to Tenley Circle.
Tenleytown continues to grow. It blends a small-town feel with urban amenities. The community remembers its history. Landmarks include the Sears Building, Eldbrooke Methodist Church, and the Western Union Tower.