American University
Private university in Washington, D.C.
About
The American University (AU or American) is a private federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C., United States. Its main campus spans 90 acres (36 ha) on Ward Circle, in the Spring Valley and Tenleytown neighborhoods of Northwest D.C.
American was chartered by an Act of Congress in 1893 at the urging of Methodist bishop John Fletcher Hurst, who sought to create an institution that promoted public service, internationalism, and pragmatic idealism. The university was founded by the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church as a national Methodist institution. It remains affiliated with the United Methodist Church, however, religious affiliation is not a criterion for admission, employment, nor an academic requirement. AU broke ground in 1902, opened as a graduate education institution in 1914, and admitted its first undergraduates in 1925.
Nearby
More to see within walking distance
Washington National Cathedral
Episcopal Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
1.0 mi away
National Presbyterian Church
Church in D.C., United States
0.4 mi away
Washington Hebrew Congregation
Reform Jewish synagogue in Washington, D.C.
0.5 mi away
Tenley Campus
United States historic place
0.7 mi away
Spring Valley (Washington, D.C.)
Place in the United States
0.6 mi away
Kreeger Museum
Art museum in Washington, D.C.
1.1 mi awayPlaces to eat nearby
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