• Tenleytown was founded, or rather "evolved," around a tavern operated by John Tenley in the 1780s. This tavern was previously located in what is now the CVS parking lot. Some accounts refer to him as John Tennally, or 'Tennallytown,' but "Tenley" was probably the original spelling. However, John Tenley and his siblings were illiterate, and signed their names with an X - leaving the spelling up to others.
• John Tenley had operated other taverns and probably came here in the 1780s because it was on the tobacco rolling route to the port of Georgetown. Tenley's tavern was the first public eating establishment north of Georgetown, and because of its dominance in the community, the area became known as Tenleytown.
• Tenleytown is the oldest village in Ward 3 and likely the second oldest village in the District, after Georgetown. The Tenley's tavern served as the focal point around which a cohesive group of inhabitants and businesses gathered.
• Tenleytown encompasses the point of highest natural elevation in the District, which is just south of Alice Deal Jr. High School. This was the perfect place for Fort Reno during the Civil War, even though no fighting occurred there.
• The Tenleytown Historical Society is working to install and inaugurate the Tenleytown Heritage Trail this fall, which will feature signs telling local history.
Source: Tenleytown Historical Society President Jane Waldmann.
sdazio@theeagleonline.com
