Nestled along the Potomac River, just minutes from Washington, D.C., Old Town Alexandria is a charming and historic gem that dates back nearly three centuries. Founded in 1749, it grew from a bustling colonial tobacco port into one of the most beautifully preserved historic districts in the United States — a place where cobblestone streets, gas lamps, and Federal-style architecture still set the scene.
A colonial port is born
Alexandria was established by an act of the Virginia legislature in 1749, named for the Alexander family who once owned much of the surrounding land. Its deep-water harbor on the Potomac quickly made it a thriving center of trade, shipping tobacco, flour, and goods up and down the East Coast and across the Atlantic. Merchants, sea captains, and tradespeople built the brick warehouses and townhouses that still line the streets today.
Where George Washington walked
Few towns are as closely tied to America's founding as Alexandria. George Washington considered Alexandria his hometown — he helped survey its original streets, kept a townhouse here, worshiped at Christ Church, and dined at Gadsby's Tavern. The Marquis de Lafayette, the Lee family, and other figures of the early republic all left their mark on the city.
Landmarks that still stand
What makes Old Town extraordinary is how much of its early history remains intact. A short walk reveals centuries of stories:
- Gadsby's Tavern Museum — an 18th-century tavern and hotel where Washington attended birthnight balls.
- Carlyle House — a grand 1753 stone mansion built by Scottish merchant John Carlyle.
- Christ Church — the colonial-era church where both Washington and Robert E. Lee worshiped.
- The Alexandria waterfront — once crowded with tall ships, now a scenic promenade of parks and galleries.
Preserved for the future
In 1946, Alexandria designated Old Town a historic district — one of the first in the nation — protecting its buildings and character for generations to come. That foresight is why, today, you can still stroll the same brick sidewalks that 18th-century residents did, browse independent shops housed in centuries-old storefronts, and feel the past come alive around every corner.
Whether you're a lifelong resident, a curious visitor, or someone dreaming of calling this remarkable place home, Old Town Alexandria offers a living connection to early America — wrapped in the warmth of a vibrant modern community.