Spring Valley in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

John Fletcher Hurst

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 27, 2018

1. John Fletcher Hurst Marker

Inscription. "It is highly proper that our group of noble edifices should begin with the College of History. This science takes the first place...in the development of a great educational scheme—a modern, a complete, and an American University."

(Hurst's address at the laying of the cornerstone of the university's first building, the College of History, on October 21, 1896.)
John Fletcher Hurst (1834-1903) recognized the need for a strong national Methodist university while resident Methodist Bishop of Washington. He gathered support for the project and funds to purchase property on Loughborough Road as the site for The American University. While he primarily envisioned a Methodist university, Hurst also wanted to create a graduate institution to further the education of all, regardless of race, gender, or religious conviction. The Board of Trustees unanimously elected Bishop Hurst as the first Chancellor in 1891. In honor of his efforts to establish The American University, its first building was renamed for him on June 3, 1925.

Erected 1993 by American University.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is June 3, 1925.

Location. 38° 56.217′

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N, 77° 5.264′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Spring Valley. Marker can be reached from Nebraska Avenue Northwest north of New Mexico Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling south. On the grounds of American University on the side of the Hurst Building that faces the quad. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4400 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20016, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. U.S. Navy Bomb Disposal School (here, next to this marker); Battelle Memorial Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Korean Cherry Trees (within shouting distance of this marker); Jeju Dolhareubang (within shouting distance of this marker); School of International Service (within shouting distance of this marker); Mary Eliza Graydon (within shouting distance of this marker); September 11 Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II Memorial (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 27, 2018

2. John Fletcher Hurst Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 160 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 27, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.