Jones Point Park and Lighthouse by Ewingjr98
Jones Point is the largest open space in Old Town Alexandria and it features a lighthouse, one of the original city of Washington DC boundary markers, trails, and playing fields. There are several historic sites here including old shipbuilding yards, the light house, Native American sites, and more.The Jones Point Lighthouse was built in 1855 and is the oldest surviving inland lighthouse in the US. Operations at the lighthouse ceased in 1926, but it was partially restored in the 1990s.
The first boundary stone from original 1791-1792 survey of the District of Columbia stands just a few feet from the lighthouse along the water. This south cornerstone from the survey remains in the seawall south of the lighthouse. There is a small plaque marking the location and the boundary stone is visible through a small hole cut in the seawall.
Jones Point was also inhabited by Native American for thousands of years. Two Native American dwellings have been discovered here, which are the only Native American structures ever found in Alexandria. These people lived here 9,200 to 500 years ago in seasonal camps while utilizing local resources from the river.
The Mount Vernon Recreation Trail runs along the edge of the park under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
Just north of the lighthouse is a stand of 80-foot trees that make a prime habitat for migrating birds seeking food and shelter.
