Gallaudet College Historic District

Gallaudet College Historic District is a university campus in Washington, D.C. that spans about 15 acres with Gothic-style buildings throughout its grounds. The layout combines architecture by Frederick C. Withers with landscape design guided by Frederick Law Olmsted's vision.

The place was founded in 1864 as Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb to provide education for deaf students. It grew from an earlier school that Amos Kendall had started in the area.

The campus was the site of the Deaf President Now movement in 1988, when students rejected the appointment of a hearing president and forced administrative change. This movement is now seen by many as a turning point in deaf community advocacy.

Visitors can reach the grounds through the main entrance on Florida Avenue and join guided tours of the site. Key buildings like Chapel Hall and the Presidents House are accessible on foot along marked pathways.

The grounds preserve the original 1878 L-shaped layout, with Fowler and Kendall Halls marking the distinctive boundaries of the campus. This early arrangement remains bounded by Florida Avenue and other city reference points.

Location: Washington, D.C.

GPS coordinates: 38.90611,-76.99611

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:11