Alexandria Off The Beaten Path

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The Ramsay House

Inscription. Owned by William Ramsay, a founder of Alexandria in July, 1749, and first Mayor. Restored by the City of Alexandria in 1956 and dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Robert Miller Reese (Rebecca Ramsay) (1870–1955), great-great-granddaughter of William Ramsay.

Marker is at the intersection of King Street and Fairfax Street, on the left when traveling east on King Street. Marker is at sidewalk level, on the side of the house.

This was the site of when they held a reception for George Washington when he left in 1789 to become the President of the United States. Washington use to dine here quite frequently when it was a tavern. Now it is also the site of the one of the places the ghost tours visit.

Located on 201 North Fairfax Street and Cameron Street

Visitor Center
221 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314

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Aleaxandria was named for the family fo John Alexander, a Virginia Planter who in 1669 acquired the tract on which the town begaon. By 1732, the site was known as Hunting Creek Warehouse and in 1749 became Alexandria, thereafter a major 18th century port. George Washington frequented the town; Robert E. Lee claimed it as his boyhood home. From 1801 to 1847 Alexandria was a part of the District of Columbia, and was later occupied by Federal troops during the Civil War. By the 20th century it had become a major railroad center. In 1946, Alexandria created the third historic district in the United States to protect its 18th and 19th century buildings.

Located on the street next to the Ramsay House (Alexandria Visitors Center) 221 King Street

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Replica Washington's Town House
Lot purchased by George Washington 1763 and house completed 1789. Torn down 1855 rebuilt by Gov. & Mrs. Richard Barrett Lowe 1980 Bricks & Stones from excavation used in construction.

Site of Washington's Town House
Used by him in his surveying where he maintained an office with the secretary to recieve and accomdation belated visitors to Mr. Vernon.

Located along 508 Cameron Street between North Pitt and North St. Asaph Streets

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I surprised my sister because she had passed by here many times but never realized the steps to the Ice Well. When you see a plaque on a building, stop and read it. You never know what you may find.

One of the plaques reads:
Underground ice wells were used in the 18th and 19th centuries to store ice for use during the warm months. In Alexandria, blocks of ice were cut from the Potomas River. Ice was placed in this well through a square opening which is marked in the pavement above. The well consist of shallow brick dome, a circular brick shaft 15' deep and 17' in diameter and a sand floor. A brick tunnel extends from the well to the basement of the tavern. Originally the well was completely underground. In 1976 it was strengthened by the installation of steel bands, and the wing area and windows were installed. This well, a rare survivor, served the tavern and the town. Tavern keeper John Gadsby sold ice in 1805 for 8 cents per pound. The ice well was restored by the City of Alexandria in 1976 as part of the restoration of Gadsby Tavern. You may tour Gadsby's Tavern Museum to learn more about the well or the tavern.

Located at around the corner on Cameron Street from 138 N. Royal Street, Alexandria Va 22314

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In 1749, Charles & Anne Mason erected a house measuring a minimum of 20 feet by 20 feet within two years near this lot. By the mid-1750s, the Mason's were operating a tailoring business and an ordinary for their business and home. Soon after Anne's death in 1761 the buildings began its long journey of being rebuilt into several types of establishments: as tavern, hotel, ballroom, barracks, auction house, club house and museum. The Hawks ran their establishments here from 1774-1775. In 1782 John Wise was the next owner and enlarged the structures and built the City Hotel 1792. The property was leased to John Gadsby from 1796-1808.

Many American presidents and foreign dignitaries have been lodged and entertained within their walls as have tourists, merchants, actors, circus performers, Federal troop housing, and the pomp and splendor of George Washington’s birthday celebrations.

Now is stands a tribute to our past to educate and enjoy.

Located at 134 N. Royal Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Tour Hours:
November to March:
Wednesday - Saturday,
11 am to 4 pm
Sunday, 1 pm to 4 pm
Monday and Tuesday, Closed
Last tour at 3:45 pm

April to October:
Tuesday - Saturday,
10 am to 5 pm
Sunday and Monday, 1 pm to 5 pm
Last tour at 4:45 pm.

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Shiloh Baptist Church was founded in 1863 as the fourth of Alexandria's black churches. It is said the church began here, just half a block from the old "Price & Birch's" slave prison, because the slave yards were later used to house freed slaves, and local leaders organized them into a church. After meeting in temporary locations fro two years, their first church was constructed nearby in 1865. In 1891 construction on the current church began, to be completed in 1893 at a cost of just $8,000.

When you are in the downtown area or even by the marina. You need to just walk around and take in the historical homes. You know when you’re on an actual historic street because of the very narrow streets and many of these homes have historical markers on the front by the door with the year it was built. It's almost hard to know the difference in the new and old homes, because the builders take such care in building the new ones authentically. The streets a much wider on the new homes.