The landmarked area was increased to cover the southern part of the campus, and was renamed as a historic district in 1974.

[1] An early school for the deaf was founded in 1857 by Amos Kendall, and was located on 8th Street NE.

Most of the master plan was carried out by 1878; a significant portion of that area has retained historic integrity and looks much as it did at its completion.

It is roughly L-shaped, bounded on the south by Florida Avenue and the east by Fowler and Kendall Halls.

The district includes Chapel Hall, a major example of Collegiate Gothic architecture and the President's House, an elaborate example of High Victorian Gothic design, both designed by Frederick Withers as part of the original master plan.