Description

Starting at the Ramsay House (221 King St.) the goal of this tour is to tell you the story of how Old Town Alexandria became the beautiful walking city it is today and what you should do with your time while you are here. Our guides are intimately familiar with the history and culture of Old Town and want to make sure you get the most of your stay. A few spots on the tour (see full list at the bottom). 

Captains Row

The 100 block of Prince Street between S Union Street and S Lee Street is known as Captain’s Row.  This block draws its name from the sea captains who docked their ships at the Alexandria wharves and built their Federal-period row homes on this block of Prince Street. The cobble stone paved street replicates the way the street was paved by Hessian Soldiers taken prisoner in the Revolutionary War.

The Athenaeum

Built in 1852 at the head of Captain’s Row, it was constructed to be the Bank of the Old Dominion. Robert E. Lee did his banking here. During the Civil War, the building was the Chief Commissary’s Office for the Union Army. Beginning in 1870, it was owned by the Citizens National Bank.

City Hall

The site of Alexandria City Hall dates back to 1749 when a market was established there. In 1752, lottery proceeds funded the building of a town hall and courthouse on the site, designed by local gentlemen. George Washington served as a justice in this court, which served Alexandria and Fairfax County (of which Alexandria was a part), and was a town trustee before the Revolutionary War.

Full list of Places on the Tour:

Ramsay House, Lee St, Swifts Alley, Captains Row, The Athenaeum, Fairfax-Moore House, Wale’s Alley, The Stabler Leadbeater Apothecary, Market Square, City Hall, Carlyle House, Wise Tavern, Gadsby Tavern, Ice Storage, George Washington House, Christ Church, Spite House