Alexandria Small-Group Historic Walking Tour, Virginia

Old Town Alexandria was established in 1749 as a port town by the colonial government. Its strategic location on the Potomac River made it an important commercial hub. The district features a wealth of well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings, including Federal style homes and a WWI-era munitions plant. The heart of Old Town is Market Square. The square was the site of the town’s original market (and current market), where local farmers and merchants conducted business. While on this tour, you’ll get a bit of a history lesson on the neighborhood and the buildings, plus 200 years worth of tea (we’re not talking Boston). We'll learn how these styles have been preserved and protected through historic preservation policy while getting some great photos along the way that you’ll get to keep or post after the tour is over.

The Ramsay House is the oldest house in Alexandria and serves as the city’s visitor center. It was built around the early 1700s by William Ramsay, one of the city’s founders. It’s a fairly modest house but had a perfect view of the Potomac River from the second story balcony when it was first built.

The Carlyle House was constructed between 1751 and 1753.The house was built by John Carlyle, a prominent merchant and one of Alexandria’s founding figures. The mansion is an example of Georgian architecture, characterized by its symmetrical design, brick façade, and classic proportions. John Carlyle and his family lived in the house, which was a center of social and political life in colonial Alexandria.

The original Gadsby’s Tavern was constructed in 1785 by John Gadsby, a prominent innkeeper and businessman. The tavern was expanded in 1792 to include a ballroom, which became a key feature of the establishment. The tavern exhibits Federal-style architecture, characterized by its symmetrical design, brick façade, and classical detailing. The interior features period furnishings and décor, preserving the late 18th and early 19th-century ambiance.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is a historic site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of medicine and pharmacy. The apothecary was initially established by Edward Stabler, a pharmacist who operated the business with his family. It served as a vital medical resource for the local community, providing medicines, remedies, and medical advice. In the mid-19th century, the business was taken over by the Leadbeater family, who continued to operate the apothecary until it closed in 1933. The interior of the apothecary museum retains much of its original design and furnishings, including wooden cabinets, glass jars, and other apothecary equipment from the 19th century.

The Basilica of St. Mary, originally known as St. Mary's Catholic Church, was established in 1795. It was the first Roman Catholic parish in the area and played a significant role in the early Catholic community of Alexandria. Initially, services were held in a small wooden church, which was replaced by a more substantial building as the congregation grew. The current church building was constructed between 1810 and 1814. Designed by the architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the church is a notable example of Federal-style architecture with a neoclassical design.

We end the tour at Roberdeau Park on the waterfront, named after Danial Roberdeau, one of our founding fathers. He represented Pennsylvania in the Continental Congress when he signed the Articles of the Confederation which was essentially the first draft of our Constitution. He served as a Brigadier General in the PA state militia during the war and was very active in freemasonry. This last stop will take you right to the waterfront.