Historical tours of Old Town, Alexandria
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Interested in learning more about the history of the ? Our professionally guided walking tours cover the history of the Carlyle House, John Carlyle and George Washington. Whether you are taking a Discover Alexandria tour, Revolutionary War tour, or joining a private tour, the Carlyle House is one of our favorite stops with awesome stories dating back to Alexandria’s founding!
Thank you for the great photo!
Come visit Alexandria, Virginia and see Crape Myrtles in bloom in the heart of Old Town Alexandria!
Discover historic Captain’s Row in Old Town Alexandria!
The cobblestone streets of Alexandria, Virginia have a rich and fascinating history dating back to the 18th century. A professional guide can tell the stories and bring the history to life!
Join us this weekend on Saturday (10:30 am; 1 pm; 4pm) and Sunday (1 pm) to step back in time on one of our popular guided history tours!
Thank you for the great photos of Captain’s Row and for joining us on a recent tour!
Join us on a Revolutionary War tour and see Alexandria’s historic churches like the and
Walk in the footsteps of America’s founding fathers and see where they worshipped before and after America’s fight for independence! Special thanks to who joined us on a Revolutionary War and shared some fantastic photos. Thank you, Lisa!
We had a great weekend showing students from the around Old Town Alexandria! It was fun to share with them Alexandria’s Revolutionary War history and connection to America’s founding fathers!
A great weekend of tours and excellent feedback from our guests! Thank you for taking a tour with Alexandria History Tours!
We had a great week and weekend showing large groups around Old Town Alexandria! Check out the latest reviews and group picture. We love welcoming people to Alexandria. If you’re looking for a great group activity, get in touch and see how Alexandria History Tours can work with your group!
250 years ago, 25 Fairfax County citizens gathered at Fairfax County Courthouse, which was in Alexandria at the current location of City Hall. George Washington was chairman of the committee that read and signed 24 resolves. These Fairfax Resolves were primarily written by George Mason, who went on to write the Virginia Declaration of Rights. Mason’s writing served as a blueprint for the Declaration of Independence and US Bill of Rights. Alexandria’s connection to Mason, Washington and this significant document makes the city of Alexandria one of the most important cities on the road to the American Revolution. Alexandria History Tours is proud to consistently tell the story of the Fairfax Resolves especially on our Revolutionary War Tour, which takes place all year!
George Mason of Gunston Hall had a strong connection to the city of Alexandria. In fact, he was a city trustee. Mason was the principal author of the Fairfax County Resolves. We are looking forward to celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Fairfax County Resolves in two days on July 18, 2024!!
On your next visit to Alexandria, consider also taking a short drive to George Mason’s !
Today is Alexandria's 275th Birthday. The city was founded on July 13, 1749. Alexandria is older than the United States and older than Washington D.C. The story of this city is an American story closely tied to the father of our nation, George Washington. It is a pleasure to run a company that is involved in promoting American history through the people and events that took place in Alexandria, Virginia. DC News Now recently joined a tour and showcased what Alexandria History Tours is doing to tell visitors and locals about Alexandria's 275 years of history!
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now) — Alexandria is throwing a birthday party and everyone is invited. On Saturday, Alexandria is celebrating its 275th anniversary with a waterfront and fireworks e…
Happy Birthday Alexandria! 275 years!
1749, a sale of 84 half acre lots took place beginning with lot 37 purchased by John Dalton. This lot was on the northeast corner of N Fairfax and Cameron St.
Hot off the press! Alexandria History Tours has an article in about the history of the ice industry in Alexandria. We also talk about how the ice business continues with so many excellent ice cream spots throughout the city. This article first appeared on the Alexandria History Tours blog. Check out the article either on our blog or in the latest edition of Alexandria Living.
250 years ago today, George Washington recorded that he “dined at Doctor Brown’s” in Alexandria. Dr. Brown’s house is in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. The previous night Washington recorded that he “lodged at my own House” (smaller house with the bunting). This was Washington’s “town house” on Cameron Street. On July 5, 1774, George Washington met with inhabitants of Alexandria at a tavern called Arell’s Tavern, which used to be in Market Square. Washington and the inhabitants formed a committee that agreed to meet again on July 18, 1774 at the Fairfax County Courthouse in Alexandria. During the July 18, 1774 meeting, 24 resolves were read and signed. These resolves became the famous Fairfax County Resolves! Join Alexandria History Tours on our Revolutionary War Tours to learn more about the Fairfax Resolves and see the home of Dr. Brown, who was a signatory of the Resolves. Dr. Brown also served with General Washington during the Revolutionary War. On our tours, we discuss his service and how he helped improve medical practices within the Continental Army.
Our guides take care of people! It is our top priority as a local and veteran owned business. Alexandria History Tours works every day to show visitors of Old Town Alexandria all of the incredible history in our historic port city. Our guide, Wayne, did a fantastic job taking care of our guests on a hot day. We do tours year round in the snow and blazing heat. Our hard work and dedication to customers is reflected in the feedback that we continue to receive.
Happy Independence Day! God Bless America.
Pictured is the desk upon which Thomas Jefferson wrote the full draft of the Declaration of Independence. Photo taken at the Museum of American History.
Celebrate Independence Day with Alexandria History Tours! We look forward to telling many stories about founding fathers like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson! Check out the schedule on 4th of July and through the weekend. Happy Birthday America!
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As we prepare for the 250th anniversary of the Fairfax Resolves on July 18, Alexandria History Tours has published several articles on our blog with biographies about the signers. In the most recent biography, we look at Alexandria merchant, John Dalton, who purchased Alexandria’s first lot #37 and whose home still stands on the 200 block of N. Fairfax Street albeit with many modifications. There is a record of George Washington staying at the home of John Dalton on January 12, 1769. Washington also did business with Dalton and his business partner John Carlyle. Check out the blog on the website to learn more about John Dalton and the Fairfax Resolves.
Historic image credit: MS354 Grigg/Lamond Collection #51. Alexandria Library Local History/ Special Collections.
The latest blog article from Alexandria History Tours on John Dalton, who was a merchant, city trustee, and signer of the Fairfax Resolves on July 18, 1774.
John Dalton was an Alexandria merchant, trustee, and a signatory of the Fairfax Resolves, which spurred the American Revolution.
I’ll never forget my first hike when I got to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton was up a hill called “The Microwave”. It was the middle of July, temperatures were in the 90s, and I had a pack that must have weighed 100 pounds. It was a leisurely 3 mph pace and we covered 6 miles. Giving tours in the heat is much more enjoyable especially when my pack doesn’t weigh 100 pounds and there are no hills in Old Town Alexandria. I make sure all guests are taken care of on our tours just as I made sure Marines were taken care of on our grueling hikes. I can’t help but do everything to mitigate the heat and make the experience enjoyable regardless of the weather. Alexandria History Tours did three tours yesterday and we have two tours today at 1 pm and 4 pm. Don’t let the heat get you down, you’re in good hands with us!!
Alexandria History Tours recently conducted house research for a property on the 500 block of S. Royal St. Across the street from the house is the historic location of the Alexandria Iron Works, which has since become a Safeway grocery store. Alexandria Iron Works operated for nearly 100 years dating back to the beginning of the Civil War. The Alexandria Iron Works was adjacent to the Wilkes Street tunnel which is still visible today. Although railcars no longer pass through the Wilkes Street tunnel, it is now a bike and foot path to the Potomac River and surrounding parks. Interested in learning more about your house and neighborhood in Old Town Alexandria? Get in touch with us.
Image Sources:
Alexandria Iron Works image: MS287 Cox Collection. Alexandria Library Local History/ Special Collections
Railroad car images: MS126 Sampson Collection. Alexandria Library Local History/ Special Collections
Map: Sanborn Map. Alexandria Library Local History/ Special Collections
When I was in the Marine Corps, every morning on base the flag of the United States of America would be raised at 0800. As it was raised, the Star-Spangled Banner was played. On Friday mornings, they also played “Anchors Away” and the “Marine Corps Hymn.” During the flag raising and playing of the National Anthem, everyone would stop and stand at attention. If you were in uniform, then you would face toward the flag and salute. Even cars stopped on base as our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, was played loud enough for everyone to hear it. This was a daily routine known as morning colors and was observed at 0800 I.e. 8:00 am. I miss those routines and the reverence for the red, white and blue. Happy Flag Day!!!!
Major General Edward Braddock gave his 23 year old volunteer aide-de-camp, George Washington, a .71 caliber flintlock pistol with the initials “EB” engraved on it. Braddock’s Campaign is one of the most significant military operations in American history for many reasons. One of the best books on the subject is Braddock’s Defeat by David Preston. Alexandria History Tours blog just published a book review of Preston’s excellent work on the subject.
Captain’s Row is one of the most iconic blocks in Old Town Alexandria. With beautiful row homes and old cobblestones, it delights locals and visitors from all parts of America and the world. in 1773, Captain John Harper, a merchant and Quaker from Philadelphia made an introduction to George Washington at Mount Vernon. Captain Harper owned property and built houses on both the 100 block and 200 block of Prince Street. He also was in business with another merchant and Quaker named William Hartshorne. We recently posted a blog article about Hartshorne to highlight him as a signer of the Fairfax Resolves. Check out one of our daily tours to learn the history of Captain’s Row and Alexandria.
On this 80th anniversary of the D-Day landing on the beaches of Normandy, France, it is with a humble and grateful heart that we reflect on the service and incredible sacrifices of the brave American and Allied servicemen who fought to liberate France and Western Europe from tyranny. We thank God for their amazing courage and devotion to duty. Please see several photos that I took on my visit to the American Cemetery, Omaha Beach, Point du Hoc as well as the Major Dick Winters leadership statue.
Two summers ago, I had the pleasure of touring the Normandy battlefields with Yannick Sterke who founded and operates , the work that they do to tell the stories of the D-Day invasion and the Normandy Battle is exceptional. I have recommended their services to guests of Alexandria History Tours when the topic of visiting the Normandy battlefields comes up. I highly recommend both visiting Normandy and getting in touch with to do so.
It was fun to help celebrate and as part of their wedding party weekend with their good friends! Everyone enjoyed a fun and entertaining afternoon tour in Old Town Alexandria. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and we saw great places like the famous Spite House, The Carlyle House, and Captain’s Row. The tour was followed by a stop at on Prince Street! Thank you Pratik and Shalaka for including Alexandria History Tours in the festivities. We look forward to seeing you all again in July for the big wedding weekend!
Alexandria History Tours has grown in 2024 with the addition of an outstanding tour guide, Wayne Kehoe. Wayne has been leading tours in the DC area for 15 years. His passion for history comes through on each tour. Don’t take our word for it, look at what our guests have said about him. He has received many five star reviews including a few highlighted here. If you want to join one of Wayne’s tours, the next one is this Saturday afternoon, June 8, at 4 pm. Weather is already looking good for a tour with Wayne and an experience of Old Town Alexandria’s history!
Today, we recognize and honor the memory of all the brave Americans who died in service to their country. Words can’t express the depth of gratitude to all of the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us to live in the land of the free and home of the brave. Their courage and sacrifice should inspire us all to live each day as grateful and virtuous American citizens. Included are pictures from several notable locations to remember and pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of fallen American heroes. We are forever grateful.
Picture 1: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House in Alexandria, Virginia.
Picture 2: Normandy American Cemetery in Normandy, France
Picture 3: National Memorial Arch at Valley Forge National Historical Park
Picture 4: The Battle of Cowpens Memorial at Cowpens National Battlefield Park in South Carolina
Picture 5: The Patriots Monument on Henry Hill at Manassas National Battlefield Park
Picture 6: Ball’s Bluff National Cemetery at Ball’s Bluff Battlefield near Leesburg, Virginia
Pictures 7-8: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia
Picture 9: Arlington National Cemetery
1861, shots were fired from the Marshall House Hotel on King Street in Alexandria, Virginia. The hotel owner, James Jackson, shot and killed Col. Elmer Ellsworth. Earlier in the morning, nearly 800 Alexandria young men left the city and joined forces that became part of the Confederate Army at Manassas Junction. As they left, thousands of Union soldiers came into the city including a New York volunteer infantry regiment of “Fire Zouaves” under the command of Col. Ellsworth. Ellsworth and his soldiers took a massive Confederate flag down from the top of the Marshall House. Jackson vowed to kill anyone who tried to take down his flag. He shot and killed Ellsworth but then Corporal Francis Brownell returned fire, shot, and killed Jackson. These were two of the first casualties of the Civil War. Col. Ellsworth was the first Union officer killed and the most notable casualty at the time. Ellsworth was close to President Lincoln, who grieved the death of Ellsworth and had his body lay in state in the East Room of the White House. For years, soldiers and tourists tore pieces of the Marshall House stairs and carpets as souvenirs. Some of these pieces are still bought and sold on historic auction sites like Heritage. Check out our Civil War themed tours to learn more and see the location where hostile fire took place on King Street.
On the 200 block of Prince Street ( aka Gentry Row) is a property and home built by William Hartshorne around 1785/1786. Hartshorne was a Quaker, merchant, and signer of the Fairfax Resolves. He was also a friend and business associate with George Washington. In the latest blog article on our website, we write about Hartshorne and highlight an important letter that Washington wrote to him in 1789 after being elected America’s first president. Hartshorne is currently buried in Alexandria’s Quaker burial ground. Join us on a tour to see the locations associated with William Hartshorne.
William Hartshorne was a prominent merchant in Alexandria, Virginia. He built a house on historic "Gentry Row" on Prince Street in Old Town Alexandria. He was also a friend and business associate with George Washington. Finally, he signed the Fairfax Resolves on July 18, 1774 in Alexandria.
Check out the latest article https://wix.to/xZ7YFpn
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#OTD 1801, President Jefferson celebrated an inaugural dinner at the City Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. We know this as Gadsby’s Tavern, named after the tavern manager John Gadsby. President Jefferson was a fish out of water in Alexandria. The politics of the town were more Federalist. But the tavern in Alexandria was the nicest in town and it was good for Jefferson to build bridges with the opposition. #visitalxva #thomasjefferson #alexandriahistoricdistrict #gadsbystavernmuseum #gadsbystavern #visitalexandria #visitalexandriava
