Thomas Verner Moore purchased a tract of land on Sargent Road, and in 1923, Saint Anselm's Priory was born.

It was named after St. Anselm of Canterbury, the eleventh-century archbishop and theologian best known for his ontological argument for the existence of God.

A major addition was made to the monastery building in 1960, designed by noted architect Philip Johnson, to accommodate the growing number of monks.

Anselm Strittmatter, OSB, was the sub-prior at the Priory in the years immediately preceding its 1961 elevation in rank.

As of 2023 there are 10 monks in residence at the monastery, some of whom are involved in teaching, either at the Abbey School or nearby at The Catholic University of America.