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With such a fascinating history filled with notable citizens and extraordinary events, many of the AlexandriaÕs attractions are centered around the long and storied past of this old seaport. Around Old Town and surrounding areas, you can explore 18th-century homes, taverns, firehouses and churches and learn about those who lived, drank, worked and worshiped there long ago. You can see where George Washington, one of AlexandriaÕs most prominent citizens, slept, shopped, drank and ate and hear interesting stories about our first president. You can experience fine art in the making in a historic factory from the early 1900s, get an in-depth view of the cultural contributions and historical importance of AlexandriaÕs African-Americans, and much, much more. Alexandria also has convenient access to the famous monuments and museums of Washington D.C., filling every travelerÕs itinerary with attractions that are educational, enriching and fun.
$ - Denotes Cost
P - Denotes Pet Friendly
Carlyle House Historic Park
121 N. Fairfax St.
703-549-2997
www.carlylehouse.org
A Georgian Palladian manor house completed in 1753 by Scottish merchant and city founder John Carlyle. British General Braddock made the mansion his headquarters in 1755. Braddock summoned five colonial governors to meet there and to plan the early campaigns of the French and Indian War. $
Christ Episcopal Church
118 N. Washington St.
703-549-1450
www.historicchristchurch.org
This beautiful English country-style church was built between 1767-1773 and was attended by George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Tours available with Sunday morning and evening worship services. Contributions accepted.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal St.
703-838-4242
www.gadsbystavern.org
Consists of two buildings, the 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Hotel. The tavern has been authentically restored to its 18th-century appearance. Notable guests included George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Open April-Oct Sunday and Monday 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Nov-Mar Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.-4 p.m. $
George Washington’s Gristmill
Route 235, three miles from Mount Vernon Estate
703-780-2000
www.MountVernon.org
See the entire process of how wheat was produced in the 18th century at this authentic water-powered mill, and learn how Washington was one of the most innovative farmers of his time. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Apr-Oct. $
Gunston Hall Plantation
10709 Gunston Rd.
Mason Neck, VA
703-550-9220
www.gunstonhall.org
The 1755 Georgian-style mansion was the home of George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights and a framer of the U.S. Constitution. Closed major holidays. $ P
Lee-Fendall House
614 Oronoco St.
703-548-1789
www.leefendallhouse.org
From 1785-1903, the house served as the home to 37 members of the Lee family. John L. Lewis, a powerful and controversial labor leader, lived in the house from 1937-1969. Guided by its 1852 inventory, the house is interpreted as a Lee home of the 1850-1870 period. $
Mount Vernon: George Washington’s Estate & Gardens
South End of George Washington Memorial Pkwy.
703-780-2000
www.MountVernon.org
The home of Alexandria’s favorite son and the nation’s first president, George Washington. The beautiful 45-acre riverside estate includes the mansion, outbuildings, a Pioneer Farmer site, gardens, the new Ford Orientation Center and Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. Open daily, including Christmas Day. $ P
Old Presbyterian Meeting House
321 S. Fairfax St.
703-549-6670
www.opmh.org
Built in 1775, the church was the site of memorial services for George Washington in 1799. A memorial to an unknown soldier of the American Revolution can be visited in the churchyard. Contributions accepted.
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 S. Fairfax St.
703-838-3852
www.ApothecaryMuseum.org
The Apothecary, founded in 1792 by Edward Stabler, represents one of Alexandria’s oldest continuously run businesses that combined retailing, wholesaling, and manufacturing. Famous patrons included George and Martha Washington and Robert E. Lee. Open for guided tours. Apr-Oct, Sunday and Monday 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Nov-Mar, Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.-4 p.m. $
Alexandria African American Heritage Park
Holland Ln. between Duke St. & Eisenhower Ave.
703-838-4356
www.alexblackhistory.org
“Truths that Rise from the Roots Remembered” is the name of the bronze tree sculpture that honors the contributions of African Americans to the growth of Alexandria.
Alexandria Archaeology Museum
105 N. Union St., Third Floor,
703-838-4399
www.alexandriaarchaeology.org
Step right into the museumÕs laboratory where archaeologists reconstruct AlexandriaÕs history, fragment by fragment. Open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe St.
703-838-4356
www.alexblackhistory.org
Originally the segregated library for Alexandria’s African American residents, the museum documents the local and national history, culture and contributions of Black America.
Alexandria National Cemetery
Wilkes & Payne Sts.
One of the 14 sites established and dedicated by President Lincoln in 1862 to serve as military burial grounds. The cemetery contains some 3,500 graves of Civil War soldiers, including U.S. Colored Troops and four men who lost their lives chasing Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth.
Alexandria Seaport Foundation’s Seaport Center
Located on the Waterfront at 0 Thompson Alley
703-549-7078
www.alexandriaseaport.org
Through the building and use of wooden boats, the Alexandria Seaport Foundation helps young people turn their lives around and provide families, community groups and schools with meaningful educational, social and recreational experiences.
The Athenaeum
201 Prince St.
703-548-0035
www.nvfaa.org
A Greek Revival building built in 1851, it was home to the Bank of the Old Dominion, where Robert E. Lee did his banking. Today it is an art gallery and home of the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association.
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
4301 W. Braddock Rd.
703-838-4848
www.fortward.org
Best preserved and interpreted Civil War fort in the Defenses of Washington. Union earthwork fort, Officers’ Hut, research library. Museum patterned after Union Army headquarters building. Exhibitions and special events throughout the year. Self-guided tours and orientation video, museum shop.
Friendship Firehouse
107 S. Alfred St.
703-838-3891
Established in 1774, the Friendship Fire Company was the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. The current firehouse was built in 1855 and now houses historic firefighting equipment and exhibits.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
101 Callahan Dr.
703-683-2007
www.gwmemorial.org
Built in honor of George Washington, the Man, the Mason and Father of Our Country. The Memorial features a heroic 17-ft bronze statue of Washington, exhibits and artifacts. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
John Q. Adams Center for the History of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
One Prince St.
703-836-4444
www.entnet.org/museum
Dedicated to the history of treating the ear, nose and throat, this unusual museum includes a display of hearing aids, surgical instruments and rare books. Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum
201 S. Washington St.
703-838-4994
www.alexandriahistory.org
The 1839 Greek Revival building serves as the city’s history museum featuring prints, documents, photographs, ceramics, silver, furniture and Civil War artifacts. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Ramsay House Visitors Center
221 King St.
703-838-5005
www.FunSideofthePotomac.com
Named for William Ramsay, Scottish merchant and city founder. Stop by for sightseeing brochures, maps, etc.
River Farm (American Horticultural Society)
7931 E. Boulevard Dr.
703-768-5700
www.ahs.org
Originally part of the estate of George Washington, the farm features 25 acres of lawns, gardens, meadows and woods on the Potomac River. Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Apr-Sept: Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union St.
703-838-4565
www.torpedofactory.org
Constructed in 1918 for the manufacturing of torpedoes, the factory now features 82 working artists’ studios, six galleries, the Art League School and Archaeology Museum. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Studio and gallery hours vary. P
U.S. Patent & Trademark Office Museum
600 Dulany St.
571/272-0095
www.invent.org
The museum is dedicated to showcasing the inventive spirit in all walks of life. Through its exhibits, enjoy the ingenuity of mankind and become aware of the vital role that intellectual property plays in all aspects of our lives. Invention knows no boundaries! Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Hours subject to change during exhibit installations.
Alexandria Archaeology Museum
105 N. Union St., #327
703-838-4399
www.alexandriaarchaeology.org
Pick up your free 2008 TimeTravelers passport, and begin your journey of discovering Alexandria's exciting past. Start in the laboratory by trying your hand at cross mending pottery shards, piece by piece. Free admission.
Carlyle House Historic Park
121 N. Fairfax St.
703-549-2997
www.carlylehouse.org
What would it be like to grow up in colonial America? Travel back in time to learn about John Carlyle, a founder of Alexandria, and his family! The historic mansion includes an interactive timeline activity for children, video, and guided tour. Family programs and reenactments held throughout the year. Regular tours are $4 per adult, $2 per child 11-17, free for age 10 and under.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal St.
703-838-4242
www.gadsbystavern.org
What would it be like to travel to 1785? Find out at Gadsby's Tavern Museum! All guided tours include a family activity sheet and hands-on objects as families explore where people ate and slept when traveling in early America. Finish the activity sheet for a prize before you go. Special children's days held throughout the year. Regular tours are $4 per adult, $2 per child 11-17, free for age 10 and under.
The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum
201 S. Wahington St.
703-838-4994
www.alexandriahistory.org
Wanted: history detectives! Use our family scavenger hunt to explore our galleries and discover what life was like in Alexandria's past. Special children's days include Railroad Days, February 9 & 10 and August 2 & 3. Come to our Children's Book Fair, March 22: new this year, with books for sale, storytelling, and crafts! Free admission!
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