Alexandria Small-Group Historic Walking and Photo Tour, Virginia
Overview
Join Preserve Tours for a walk through historic Old Town Alexandria where your local guide provides insight on historic preservation initiatives and policy that are responsible for the protection of the historic district to this day. Experience the preservation of Alexandria's downtown shopping district, the Carlyle House, George Washington’s Townhouse, the Basilica of St. Mary’s, an authentic apothecary, and more while getting some great photos along the way. Photos are emailed after the tour.
Mel Serravalle worked a decade in an urban planning career before she founded Preserve Tours, curated walking and photo tours that would provide an opportunity to learn about historic neighborhoods and their role in the past and present. As a fourth generation Washingtonian herself, she strives to provide a quality educational experience with a local, fun feel. A portion of the proceeds of each tour goes to the Rosedale Conservancy, a community funded park in Upper Northwest DC.
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- Professional Tour Guide
Itinerary
1
Stop 1
Our first stop is Market Square in Old Town Alexandria, established in 1749 as a port town by the colonial government. The district features a wealth of well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings, including Federal style homes and a WWI-era munitions plant. We'll learn how these styles have been preserved and protected through historic preservation while getting some great photos along the way.
2
Stop 2
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.
3
Stop 3
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.
4
Stop 4
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.
5
Stop 5
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.
6
Stop 6
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.
7
Stop 7
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.
Meeting & End Point
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Meeting Point
Due to the renovation of Market Square, we will be meeting across the street at 320 King Street. Look for the brick alcove next to the Spice & Tea Exchange. Your guide will be carrying a bouquet of flowers.
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End Point
We end at the waterfront a few blocks from King Street and Waterfront Park.
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Good to Know
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels