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City of Alexandria, VA

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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
      • Women's Initiatives
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
      • Women's Initiatives
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
    Close Menu
  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
    Close Menu
  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
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  • Calendar

    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

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    Use these shortcuts to perform some of the most common tasks on our site.

    • Apply
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    • Report
      • Potholes
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Visit Museums and Historic Sites

Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past. Plan your visit to Historic Alexandria with the resources below.
Page updated on March 20, 2023 at 4:05 PM

Historic Alexandria

  • What's New
    • This Week in Historic Alexandria
  • Historic Alexandria
  • City Museums
    • Alexandria Archaeology Museum
    • Alexandria Black History Museum
    • Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
    • Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
    • Freedom House Museum
    • Friendship Firehouse Museum
    • Gadsby's Tavern Museum
    • Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
  • Plan your Visit
    • Group Visits
    • Visit City Museums
    • Visit Other Historic Sites
      • African American Heritage Park
      • Alexandria Union Station
      • Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial
      • Lloyd House
      • Murray-Dick-Fawcett House
    • More Historic Attractions in Alexandria
    • Self-Guided Tours
    • Visit Alexandria
  • The History of Alexandria
    • Conducting Your Own Historic Research
    • African American History
    • Women's History
    • Discovering the Decades
    • Historic Alexandria Quarterly
    • Out of the Attic
  • Alexandria Archaeology
  • Alexandria Community Remembrance Project
  • Alexandria Oral History Center
  • Archives & Records Center
  • Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria
  • Educational Resources
    • Watch Lectures Online
    • Winter in Alexandria Activity Portal
  • Historic Alexandria Administration
  • Historic Preservation
  • Museum Store
  • News Releases
  • Rentals and Private Events
  • Stay Connected
  • Support Historic Alexandria
    • Donate
    • Become a Member
    • Join a Commission
    • Volunteer

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About Historic Alexandria

Many of the City's premier historic sites are owned and operated by the City of Alexandria and fall under the administration of the Office of Historic Alexandria, the department of City government charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past. The Office of Historic Alexandria has received accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums and is a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. 

Birds Eye View of Alexandria, Charles Magnus1863 (Library of Congress)

Historic Alexandria

Find out what's new in Historic Alexandria, and learn about who we are and what we do. See upcoming events and News and Information. Learn about Alexandria's history, museum exhibits and collections, educational programs and more.

View of Alexandria, VA, by J.T. Palmatary, 1853

This Week in Historic Alexandria

This week in Historic Alexandria, enjoy the many exhibits, public programs and special events offered by our city's great museums and historic sites! This e-newsletter is updated each week on this website, or sign up for an eNews account to have it delivered to your in-box.

Plan Your Visit

Below is all the information you need to plan a visit to the Historic Alexandria museums - address and phone numbers, hours, admission fees, special programs and more. The Historic Alexandria museums are free for City of Alexandria residents. Print a flyer  with our museum hours for Winter 2022/2023.

The public is invited to observe archaeologists at work at the Shuter's Hill site

Alexandria Archaeology Museum

Open Tuesday-Sunday

Alexandria Archaeology Museum visitors learn how the City's archaeologists, volunteers and students work with residents and developers to study and manage archaeological resources important to the community's past.

Alexandria Black History Museum

Alexandria Black History Museum

Open Thursday-Sunday

Alexandria Black History Museum enriches the lives of Alexandria's residents and visitors, fosters tolerance and understanding among all cultures, and stimulates appreciation of the diversity of the African American experience.

Alexandria's History Museum at The Lyceum (exterior)

Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum

Open Thursday-Sunday

The Lyceum, itself a witness to nearly two centuries of local history, today serves as a gateway for Alexandria's visitors.

Fort Ward's restored north bastion, with canons

Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site

Open Thursday-Sunday

Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is the best preserved of the system of Union forts and batteries built to protect Washington, DC during the American Civil War (1861-1865).

Freedom House Museum with historic marker (credit, R. Kennedy for Visit Alexandria)

Freedom House Museum

Open Thursday-Monday

The Freedom House Museum offers three new exhibitions. The keystone exhibition centers the narrative on the stories of those who were brought from the Chesapeake Bay area, moved through 1315 Duke Street, and forced to slave markets in the deep South.

Friendship Firehouse's Rodgers Pumper

Friendship Firehouse Museum

Open one Saturday a month

Friendship Firehouse Museum, the oldest standing firehouse open as a museum in Alexandria, was originally home to the first volunteer fire company in town. Today, the exhibits of historic equipment and vehicles inspire visitors.

Gadsby's Tavern Museum exterior

Gadsby's Tavern Museum

Open Thursday-Tuesday

Gadsby's Tavern Museum consists of the ca. 1785 tavern and 1792 City Hotel.  Named for John Gadsby who operated them from 1796 to 1808, explore these buildings where Washington, Jefferson and ordinary travelers came to eat, drink, sleep and influence history. 

Glass Bottles on display a the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

Open Wednesday-Monday

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, one of the oldest pharmacies in the nation, sold everything from medicines to household goods from 1792 to 1933. Visitors can tour the historic shop and manufacturing room and view original products left behind.

More City of Alexandria Sites

Visit the African American Heritage Park, Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial, Alexandria Union Station, and the garden spaces at the Murray-Dick-Fawcett House and Lloyd House.

The Lloyd House administrative office and the Archives and Records Center are open by appointment.

TourTuesday: sculptures at the African American Heritage Park

African American Heritage Park

Open dawn to dusk

The focal point of the park is a sculpture group of bronze trees called "Truths That Rise From the Roots Remembered." The park also includes a 19th century African American cemetery and was designed to co-exist with the original landscape of the cemetery.

Interpretive panel "All Aboard at Alexandria Union Station"

Alexandria Union Station

Amtrak Station, open daily

Generations of passengers have embarked on journeys and were welcomed home at the Alexandria Union Station. Built in 1905, the station is on the National Register of Historic Places. Stop by the station to see interpretive exhibits, or to take the train.

Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial with sculpture and wall of names

Contraband and Freedmen's Cemetery Memorial

Open dawn to dusk

The cemetery served as the burial place for about 1,800 African Americans who fled to Alexandria to escape from bondage during the Civil War. A Memorial honors the memory of the Freedmen, the hardships they faced, and their contributions to the City.

The Lloyd House exterior

Lloyd House

Administrative offices, open by appointment

Constructed around 1796-1797, Lloyd House is one of the best examples of Alexandria's late eighteenth-century Georgian style. The Lloyd House now houses the administrative offices of the Office of Historic Alexandria.

The Murray Dick Fawcett House, viewed from the garden

Murray-Dick-Fawcett House

Garden closed during renovation; house not open to the public

This is one of the earliest homes in the city, and possibly the least altered 18th Century home in Northern Virginia.

Compactor shelving at the Archives and Records Center

Archives & Records Center

Open by appointment only

The Center identifies, preserves, and makes available to the public records of the City of Alexandria government that have been appraised and selected for historic value. It also provides records management, off-site storage, and reference services to City agencies.

Visiting Alexandria

Historic post card: Greetings from Alexandria VA.

Explore centuries of human history. Visit the museums to see a 13,000-year-old Clovis point, an 18th-century apothecary, a restored Civil War fort, a 1940s segregated library, and more.

As you walk along Alexandria’s historic streets, look for Wayfinding and Heritage Trail signs to learn about Alexandria’s past, or use our self-guided tours.

Alexandria was named a Top 3 Best Small City in the U.S. 2019 by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, the #1 Best Value U.S. Travel Destination 2018 by Money magazine, and one of the South’s Prettiest Cities 2018 by Southern Living. The National Trust for Historic Preservation selected Alexandria as one of the 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Alexandria was chosen for its urban charm that blends an extraordinary early American past with modern flair and its citizens’ strong commitment to protecting and celebrating their history.

The Alexandria Convention and Visitor Association provides information on historic sites, hotels, restaurants, shops, parking and more. When in Alexandria, stop by the Alexandria Visitors Center at Ramsay House at 221 King Street, or call 703.746.3313 for information. Purchase a Key to the City Pass ($20 for a $60 value, including access to all of the museums).

The Historic Alexandria Museum Store, at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, offers great gift ideas a wide variety of Alexandria-related merchandise and the very best selections from all the Historic Alexandria museum stores. Your purchases support programming at Historic Alexandria's museums. Purchase event tickets, donate to your favorite museum, become a member, and buy selected merchandise online at The Alexandria Shop.

Key to the City Pass

Key to the City Museum Pass (logo)

The best way to unlock Alexandria's rich culture and history is with the Alexandria Visitor Center's Key to the City museum pass. From Alexandria's co-founders to the nation's first president and from the Civil War to civil rights, learn about our remarkable history and walk amongst original 18th-and 19th-century architecture preserved by a city dedicated to honoring its past.

For only $20 — a $60 value — the Key to the City museum pass includes:

Access to 9 historic sites

40% off for the following:

  • George Washington’s Mount Vernon admission
  • City Cruises anchored by Hornblower roundtrip water taxi pass

10% off coupon for museum store purchases valid at 11 sites

Suggestions of 3 additional free historic sites

 

Walk Alexandria’s Historic Streets

Wayfinding Signs

Look for Wayfinding signs on and around King Street, for pedestrian-oriented maps and interpretive panels conveying the city’s rich history. Signs start near the King Street Metro and continue down to the Alexandria waterfront. 

Alexandria Heritage Trail

Historic markers, located in many locations around town, inform residents and visitors alike about many facets of Alexandria’s history. More than 50 Heritage Trail signs have been placed in different parts of the city, on the 23-mile Alexandria Heritage Trail and beyond. 

Self-Guided Tours

Explore Historic Alexandria with self-guided tours. Walk or bike with the guidance of brochures, maps and cue-sheets, podcasts and apps.

More Historic Attractions in Alexandria

Alexandria also has many fine museums and historic sites that are not City-owned. Information on these historic attractions, including address, hours and admission fees can be found at the links below, at the Alexandria Visitors Center at Ramsay House, and online at VisitAlexandriaVa.com.

Alexandria National Cemetery

Alexandria National Cemetery 

Alexandria National Cemetery is one of the original 14 national cemeteries established in 1862. The first burials made in the cemetery were soldiers who died during training or from disease in the numerous hospitals around Alexandria.

There are 3,533 Civil War veterans buried here, including 123 unknown soldiers and 229 African Americans who were members of the United States Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.) moved here from the Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery.

Alexandria Seaport Center

Alexandria Seaport Center 

The Alexandria Seaport Foundation serves 17-23 year-olds who need a new start. Centered on developing the academic and hand-crafting skills required to build traditional wooden boats, the Apprentices’ time in the Seaport Center is also punctuated by lessons in history, community, and seamanship. The Seaport Foundation’s work takes place at the McIlhenny Seaport Center, a floating building on Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront.

The Athenaeum

The Athenaeum

The Athenaeum, the columned building at 201 Prince Street, was constructed between 1851 and 1852 as the Bank of the Old Dominion, which claimed Robert E. Lee as a customer. During the Civil War, it was Chief Commissary Office of the U.S. Commissary Quartermaster and later a triage hospital for wounded soldiers. The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association bought the building in 1964, restored it to its current condition, and renamed it the Athenaeum. It is now an art gallery and performance space.

Carlyle House Historic Park

Carlyle House Historic Park 

The Georgian mansion was built for John Carlyle in 1752. NOVA Parks fully restored the house and opened it to the public in 1976 as part of the nationwide Bicentennial celebration. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, Carlyle House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Christ Church

Christ Church

Christ Church was designed by James Wren and opened in 1773. Prominent worshippers included George Washington. The church, located at 118 N. Washington Street, is open for worship and public tours. 

George Washington Masonic National Memorial

George Washington Masonic National Memorial 

Construction of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial began in 1922, and the official dedication took place a decade later. The building is now open for public tours, and the view from the Memorial’s observatory deck is one of the best in the Washington, D.C. area.

Lee-Fendall House

Lee-Fendall House 

The Lee-Fendall House, built by Light Horse Harry Lee’s cousin Philip Richard Fendall, was home to 37 members of the Lee family from 1785 until 1903. Labor leader John L. Lewis, President of the United Mine Workers lived here from 1937 until his death in 1969. The restored Lee-Fendall House and Garden is a period house museum that is open to the public. 

National Inventors Hall of Fame

National Inventors Hall of Fame

The National Inventors Hall of Fame, located on the United States Patent and Trademark Office campus, showcases the more than 600 inventors who have been inducted into NIHF and their great technological achievements that helped stimulate growth for our nation and beyond.

The Old Presbyterian Meeting House

The Old Presbyterian Meeting House 

Built in 1774, the Old Meeting House was the site of memorial services for George Washington, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution can be visited in the churchyard.

Torpedo Factory Art Center

Torpedo Factory Art Center 

The United States Naval Torpedo Station was built during World War I, but it was barely completed when that war ended in November 1919. It was ready for service when World War II began, and greatly expanded during the war. The Torpedo Factory Art Center was created in 1974 as a Bicentennial project. It stands as one of the nation’s earliest examples of the adaptive reuse of a historic building. 

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301 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

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