A brief wander through the historic streets of Alexandria, Virginia.
Alexandria, Virginia, is one of the few American cities that has retained much of its colonial and 19th century past. Founded in 1749 on the banks of the Potomac River, Alexandria is ridiculously charming. Alexandria’s Old Town still has over 200 buildings that were built before 1900. Old Town has even more historic buildings from before 1800 preserved as well. Alexandria is a town best explored by foot (the Alexandria city guide was not wrong about that).
My explorations of Alexandria were really, really brief. I had way too much planned for that day and Alexandria was not originally on the agenda. I had some time to kill before heading to George Washington’s Mount Vernon home and decided to drive up and around Old Town. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I needed to go back. After Mt. Vernon, I took hour or so stroll around Old Town. That is honestly not enough, but here is some of the neat things I found.
I randomly picked something to set my GPS to and that happened to be the Old Presbyterian Meeting House. The original meeting house was built in 1775, but destroyed by lighting induced fire in 1835. It was rebuilt to look similar to the original one in 1837.
Some of the buildings look a bit randomly placed on their lots.
A Greek Revival (early 19th century) style duplex that had some windows bricked in on the side. I love that you can easily see this on old buildings.
All the random early styles on the street is wonderful.
Matching yet not matching. Yes, I’m still randomly driving around at this point. Luckily, Old Town is laid out in a grid and has stop signs at every corner.
Some clapboard row houses. Very American.
This bad photo features the blue 1830 Spite House, the skinniest house in American at 7 ft. The house was built in an alley just to keep people out. I’m still driving around at this point.
Robert E. Lee’s boyhood home. Many Lees lived in Alexandria.
Three very skinny Victorian townhouses. This must be some local style because there are some similar ones in Washington, D.C.
Close up! I love those window boxes. I’m finally on foot now.
A wonderful Federal house.
Brick sidewalks! Old Town Alexandria is amazing.
A couple of Italianate 19th century townhouses. It is impossible to date the Italianate style. It was super popular from 1830 until a decade after the Civil War.
An even fancier one. Italianate is known for its cornices.
One thing I love about brick buildings, it is very easier to see later alterations. The roof was removed on the left side when the second floor addition was added.
This huge townhouse served as Wise’s Tavern from 1788-1792. It was here on April 16, 1789, George Washington addressed the public as the President of the United States for the first time.
Alexandria’s City Hall. I got to say that I love their 1871 city hall. It looks like a cross between Federal and French Second Empire styles (which was extremely popular at the time).
Carlyle House Historic Park was built by the Scottish merchant John Carlyle in 1751-1753. He was one of the early residents of the city which explains his huge lot.
Old buildings next to new buildings. At least the new buildings at least match the old ones, although they are quite tall.
Cobblestone alley.
Some lovely brightly painted homes.
A large townhouse with an alley entrance on the left and a weird bricked up window? Not sure what that is.
A gorgeous row of Federal townhomes.
Captain’s Row, a famous block with historic homes and cobblestone streets. I love how leafy the streets are. It really helps to cool the city when it’s hot.
Just fantastic.
Some townhouses even have working gas lights.
Those doors are fabulous.
Old warehouse or possibly a store or business of some kind?
Historic buildings and modern restaurants on this pedestrian block.
This one is just a little bit different than the rest.
Old carriage house.
Love this old building.
The front of Alexandria’s City Hall.
The famous and historic Gadsby’s Tavern. George Washington often found himself here.
Alexandria is just lovely.
Alexandria is a great place for a wander. The city tourism board even recommends it. Even though I put a zillion photos of Old Town above, I only scrapped what Alexandria has to offer. I guess I will have to go back. Alexandria is easily reached by car or by public transportation from Arlington and Washington, D.C.
Check out my next update where I visit a historic fort on the Potomac River.
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