Alexandria, Virginia

"We need to learn the stories that have contributed to our collective story”

Anthony W. Marx, NY Public Library President

            Many places become renowned because of the individuals who pass through or call it home, having significant impact as they go. Alexandria, Virginia’s place in history was instead insured by its geographic placement and the events and people drawn there by historic events and circumstances. The earliest instances of human habitation were circa 11,000 BC, as evidenced by a Clovis Point displayed in the Alexandria Archaeology Museum on the Torpedo Factory’s third floor. #Visitalexandria

                  The region was settled in the 1600s and after repeated attacks by the Susquehanna Indians a fort was built in 1676. Alexandria began as an inspection warehouse in 1732 used to monitor the quality of tobacco exported to England from her colonies. In 1748 it was decided to establish a town around the warehouse. A 16-year-old George Washington was hired to assist in mapping the area. In 1749 the town was founded, Washington remapped the city with a street grid and the town was named after Scottish founder John Alexander. By the 1750s it was the Potomac’s shipping center and in 1779 it was designated an official port of entry for foreign ships and completion of customs documents and inspections. @AlexandriaVA

            The first federal census, collected in 1790, revealed there were already 59 free blacks and 448 enslaved living in Alexandria. The lives of African Americans were never marginalized in the city, enslaved or free. Their stories, while unique, showcase a microcosm of black life from the founding of the country to the present. To enhance visitors’ ability to more fully engage with the black experience Visit Alexandria has created “Courageous Journey,” A guide to Alexandria’s African American History.

                  The Old Town Farmer’s Market is the oldest market in the same location in the country. It opened in 1753 and was used by both black and white vendors.

                  Gadsby’s Tavern, the oldest in Alexandria, opened in 1792 and was a favorite of the first five presidents. Meals are presented by period-clad servers and tours of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum are offered. Tours include the stories of all social classes that visited or worked at the restaurant. An inventory listed 11 enslaved workers. gadsbystavernrestaurant.com

                  The 15,000 object Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum was operated by the same family from 1792 to 1933. Edward Stabler was a Quaker who engaged in antislavery activities from the opening of his shop in 1796 until his death in 1831. One of his acts was the purchasing and freeing of the enslaved. His business boasted patrons such as George and Martha Washington. The collection includes 15,000 objects.

                  The transatlantic slave trade ended in 1808, cotton production became more lucrative and Virginia turned from tobacco as a crop. The Upper South began to establish a domestic slave trade system, selling slaves into the Lower South. The enslaved were confined to “slave jails” before and after transport by foot, boat or rail. 

                  Franklin and Armfield, the largest slave trading firm in the South, operated from 1828-1836. The 3-story facility held approximately 100 males and females at a time. They were held in locked pens at night and a walled open-air courtyard in the daytime.

                  The Freedom House Museum is situated in a portion of what was Franklin and Armfield’s. Displays include Alexandria’s black history, the US Colored Troops and that of the U.S. in general. During the Civil War the structure housed Confederate prisoners and L'Ouverture Hospital for black soldiers. alexandriava./gov/freedomhouse

                  Joseph Bruin “Negro Jail” was established in 1843. The complex was 2-acres and warehoused many enslaved on-site. A plaque denotes its former location. In 1848, 77 enslaved individuals attempted to escape aboard the Pearl. After recapture they were sold to Bruin and the Edmonson Sisters were sent to New Orleans. Eventually enough funds were raised to purchase and return them. A sculpture of the sisters stands near the Bruin Negro Jail site.

                  Heritage Park houses the 1885, 9-acre, African American black Baptist Cemetery. Uncovered during an archeological dig 21 gravesites and 6 headstones were revealed. There is a sculptural memorial, “Truths That Rise from the Roots Remembered,” and a display of bronze trees, 12-15 ft. tall. @historicAlexVa

                  The Contrabands and Freedman Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. Nearly 2,000escaping African Americans are interred here. Brass plaques, etched with the names of identified burials and a sculptural tribute, The Paths of Thorns and Roses, completes the memorial.

                  Shiloh Baptist Church was constructed in 1865 by the formerly enslaved. Its name is in keeping with its mission, “place of peace.” It remains active today. 

                  The segregated Alexandria Free Library was built in 1937. In August of 1939 the first recorded sit-in took place there. Five African American men entered the library and sat down to read. After being asked to leave and refusing they were arrested. The black Robinson Library was built in 1940 rather than desegregate the existing library. It is now part of the Alexandria Black History Museum.

                  The Manumission Tour Company Black History Bus Tour is a 90-minute guided tour designed to visit the significant sites and provide interpretation of events. Councilman John Chapman, a 4th generation Alexandrian, spearheaded the tour’s design and included information. www.manumissiontours.com

In 2022 Jahmond Quander opened 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood, with a sophisticated and welcoming ambiancé. Jahmond’s family is a descendent of one of the oldest documented families in the country. A mural retraces their story from Ghana, to Washington’s Mount Vernon, and culminates with Jahmond and the 1799. 1799prime.com 

                 

Thompson Italian is a great place to dine. Everything is handmade and the menu is seasonal. The chefs, a married team, have been recognized by James Beard. thompsonitalian.com/alexandria

The Lorien Hotel & Spa is perfectly situated for a visit to Alexandria. There are designer room amenities, two excellent restaurants and a full menu of spa treatments. It is steps away from both the Amtrak station and the free King Street Trolley.

                  Alexandria was recognized in 2023 by Condé Nast and Travel and Leisure as one of the best cities to visit. You can immerse yourself in history or shop and dine at a choice of more than 200 venues. Grab a Key to the City Attractions discount pass and embark on your personally curated adventure.