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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
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  • 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
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  • 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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Alexandria's African American Community: Online Resources

Explore these books, brochures and lesson plans to learn more about the history of Alexandria's African American community.
Page updated on March 28, 2022 at 2:40 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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Introduction

Our town's history includes a vibrant Black population dating to the 18th century, one of the largest slave trading operations, and America's first Sit-Down Strike in the early days of the Civil Rights movement.

Read an introduction to the History of Alexandria's African American community, and learn more with the resources listed below.

Online and Other Resources

General History

  • History of Alexandria’s African American Community
  • McCargo Bah, Char, Christa Watters, Audrey P. Davis, Gwendolyn Brown-Henderson and James E. Henson, Sr. African Americans of Alexandria Virginia: Beacons of Light in the Twentieth Century. The History Press, 2013. (Book available for purchase from The Alexandria Shop)
  • Style and Identity: Black Alexandria in the 1970s. Portraits by Horace Day (Exhibit Catalogue) 
  • A Remarkable and Courageous Journey: A Guide to Alexandria’s African American History  (Brochure)
  • African American Heritage Trail: North Waterfront Route. Alexandria’s African American history is told through an online StoryMap and can be experienced in-home on your computer or on your smartphone as you walk the trail along the Potomac River. (StoryMap)

Early Free Black Neighborhoods

  • Harriet Williams, Independent Enslaved Woman (112-114 South St. Asaph St.). (Information on the Alexandria Courthouse excavations, 44AX1) 
  • Cressey, Pamela J. To Witness the Past: African American Archaeology in Alexandria, Virginia. Exhibit Catalogue. Alexandria Archaeology Publications, 1993. (Contact the Alexandria Archaeology Museum to review this catalogue.)
  • Cressey, Pamela J. The Archaeology of Free Blacks in Alexandria, Virginia. Alexandria Archaeology Publications, No. 19, 1985. (Contact the Alexandria Archaeology Museum to review this document.)
  • Cressey, Pamela J. An Enduring Afro-American Neighborhood: An Archaeological Perspective from Alexandria, Virginia, Black Heritage, Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 1-10, 1980. (Contact the Alexandria Archaeology Museum to review this document.)

Black Churches

  • Walker, Mark K Walker, Elizabeth A. Crowell, Madeleine Pappas, Jesse Daugherty and Christopher Martin. Archaeological Evaluation of the Alfred Street Baptist Church (44AX161), Alexandria, Virginia.  Engineering Science, Chartered, Washington, D.C. , 1992.  Public Summary  (Archaeological Site Report, 44AX161)
  • Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church, 150th Anniversary, 1982. This booklet provides a history of the church at 604 S. Washington Street.

Slavery in Alexandria

The Slave Pen, 1315 Duke Street

  • Freedom House Museum (Learn about visiting the museum)
  • Building and Property History, 1315 Duke Street. Benjamin Skolnik, Office of Historic Alexandria (2021)

    • Appendix A: 1315 Duke Street Chain of Title, Prepared by Sue Shuman, Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Appendix B: Conjectural Plans
    • Appendix C: 1984 Renovation Plans
    • Appendix D: 2005 Renovation Plans
    • Appendix E: 2020 City of Alexandria Renovation Plans
  • "A Loathsome Prison:” Slave Trading in Antebellum Alexandria (Lesson Plan)
  • Artemel, Janice G., Elizabeth A. Crowell and Jeff Parker. The Alexandria Slave Pen: The Archaeology of Urban Captivity. Engineering-Science, Inc., Washington, D.C., 1987 (Archaeological Site Report, 44AX75)
  • Traum, Sarah, Joseph Balicki and Brian Corle. A Documentary Study, Archeological Evaluation and Resource Management Plan for 1323 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia. John Milner Associates, Inc., Alexandria, VA., 2007
  • Slaves in the Alexandria Jail, 1861. This article, from the National Republican of January 20, 1862, was taken from a letter addressed to Massachusetts’ anti-slavery Senator Henry Wilson. It expresses outrage at the poor conditions and inhumanity of treatment of slaves in the Alexandria Jail, even under federal occupation. (Courtesy, Friends of Freedmen’s Cemetery)
     

The Bruin Slave Jail, 1701 Duke Street

  • Kraus, Lisa, John Bedell and Charles LeeDecker. Archaeology of the Bruin Slave Jail (Site 44AX0172).  The Louis Berger Group, Inc., Washington, D.C., 2010.   Public Summary (Archaeological Site Report, 44AX172)
  • Underground Railroad: Journey to Freedom (National Park Service website)

The Civil War

Contrabands and Freemen Cemetery

  • Contrabands & Freedmen Cemetery Memorial
  • Alexandria Archaeology Museum's Contraband and Freedmen Cemetery Brochure (brochure)
  • Sipe, Boyd, with Francine W. Bromberg, Steven Shephard, Pamela J. Cressey, and Eric Larsen. The Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial, City of Alexandria, Virginia. Archaeological Data Recovery at Site 44AX0179. Thunderbird Archaeology, a division of Wetland Studies, Gainesville, VA and Alexandria Archaeology, Office of Historic Alexandria, 2014.(Contact Alexandria Archaeology Museum to view Archaeological Site Report, AX179.)
  • Friends of Freedmen’s Cemetery website includes an extensive collection of transcriptions of primary resources
  • Records of Burials and Death Among the Freedmen in Alexandria, Virginia “The Gladwin Record.” (Courtesy, Friends of Freedmen’s Cemetery)
  • Oral Histories Interviews with Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery descendants.
    Joyce Paige Abney
    Lucian Johnson
    Paula Haskins Williams
     

Black Soldiers in the Civil War

  • Fighting for Freedom: Black Union Soldiers of the Civil War. (Courtesy, Fort Ward Museum)
  • Miller, Jr., Edward A. Volunteers for Freedom: Black Civil War Soldiers in Alexandria’s National Cemetery, Part I. Historic Alexandria Quarterly, Fall 1998.
  • Miller, Jr., Edward A. Volunteers for Freedom: Black Civil War Soldiers in Alexandria’s National Cemetery, Part II. Historic Alexandria Quarterly, Winter 1998.
  • Convalescent Soldiers in L’Ouverture Hospital "Express Our Views" on Burial Location. (Courtesy, Friends of Freedmen’s Cemetery)
  • Traum, Sarah, Joseph Balicki and Brian Corle. A Documentary Study, Archeological Evaluation and Resource Management Plan for 1323 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia . John Milner Associates, Inc., Alexandria, VA., 2007.  Public Summary  (Archaeological Site Report. In 1864, this site became part of the L'Ouverture Hospital for African American soldiers.)

Black Neighborhoods after the Civil War

The Fort Neighborhood

  • Fort Ward Park & Museum Site Interpretive Plan

Interpretive Signage and Brochure

  • “The Fort” Heritage Trail (brochure)
  • From Civil War to Civil Rights. A timeline of the African American community, “The Fort,” established here from after the Civil War and continuing into the Civil Rights Era of the 1960s. (Heritage Trail sign)
  • African Americans and the Civil War. Fleeing, fighting and working for freedom. (Heritage Trail sign)
  • Within Its Walls – A Foundation for Education and Opportunity. The community’s children were educated in the one-room “Colored School Building at Seminary, and later at the Seminary School for African Americans. (Heritage Trail sign)
  • The Oakland Baptist Church. Several members of The Fort were founders of the Oakland Baptist Church. (Heritage Trail sign)
  • The Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. Originally a small family cemetery, the land was conveyed to the Oakland Baptist Church in 1939. (Heritage Trail sign)
  • The Jackson Cemetery. In 1884, James F. Jackson purchased the largest parcel in The Fort.  The Jacksons later established a cemetery on part of the land. (Heritage Trail sign)

Facebook page   

  • The Fort Ward and Seminary African American Descendants Society

Oral History transcriptions

  • Maydell Casey Belk 
  • Julia Bradby 
  • Keating Karig Carrier 
  • Elizabeth Douglas 
  • Mary Crozet Wood Johnson 
  • Charles McKnight 
  • Edmonia Smith McKnight 
  • Joseph John Moraski 
  • Dorothy Hall Smith and Barbara Ashby Gordon 
  • Sgt. Lee Thomas Young, 1996 interview
  • Sgt. Lee Thomas Young, 2009 interview

Archaeological Reports

  • Draft Inventory of Historical Resources: Fort Ward Park, City of Alexandria, September 10, 2009
  • Report on Ground-Penetrating Radar Surveys: Possible Cemeteries Within Fort Ward Historical Park, Alexandria, Virginia. Sarah Lowry, October 19-20, 2009
  • Fort Ward Processes and Timelines , Letter from City of Alexandria to Ad Hoc Stakeholders Advisory Group, December 22, 2010
  • Fort Ward Documentary Study and Archaeological Investigation , Alexandria Archaeology, Status Update, December 8, 2010
  • Initial Recommendations for Archaeology and History at Fort Ward Park , Alexandria Archaeology, January 2011
  • Recommendations for the Management of Fort Ward Historical Park. Ad Hoc Fort Ward Park and Museum Area Ad Hoc Fort Ward Park and Museum Area Stakeholders Advisory Group for the City of Alexandria, Virginia, January 2011.
  • Archaeological Investigations at Fort Ward Historical Park, Alexandria, Virginia, 2010–2011 , PowerPoint Presentation, Tom Bodor, The Ottery Group, February 5, 2011
  • Archaeological Investigation of Fort Ward/"The Fort" 1961-2011, PowerPoint Presentation, Alexandria Archaeology, October 12, 2011
  • Fort Ward Stage 1 Archaeology Survey and Stage 2A Archaeology related to Interim Drainage Project , Alexandria Archaeology, March 2012
  • Fort Ward Stage 2 Archaeology Update , Alexandria Archaeology, April 4, 2012
  • Update on Stage 2 Archaeological Survey of Fort Ward Park , Alexandria Archaeology, April 24, 2012
  • Archaeology Work - Photos, August 24, 2012
  • Fort Ward Stage 2 Progress Report – September 11, 2012
  • Fort Ward Preliminary Shovel Test Map - September 12, 2012
  • Fort Ward Preliminary Civil War Archaeology Resource Map - September 11, 2012
  • Fort Ward Stage I and IIA Excavations for Grave Identification - September 12, 2012
  • Krystyn R. Moon. Finding The Fort: A History of an African American Neighborhood in Northern Virginia, 1860s-1960s, 2014 (Revised 2017). (Contact Alexandria Archaeology Museum to view report).
     

Other Neighborhoods

  • Anderson, Adrian D. The African American Heritage Park, Alexandria, Virginia. Draft manuscript. Tellus Consultants Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1992. (Archaeological Site Report, 44AX136, Silver Leaf Black Baptist Cemetery)
  • Adams, Robert M. The Archaeological Investigation of the Undeveloped Upland Terraces in Mark Center, City of Alexandria, Virginia. International Archaeological Consultants, Rawlins, Wyoming, 1994.  Public Summary (Archaeological Site Report, 44AX162, slave or tenant house)
  • Sipe, Boyd and Kimberly Snyder. Documentary Study and Archeological Resource Assessment for the James Bland Homes, City of Alexandria, Virginia . Thunderbird Archeology, Gainesville, Virginia.  Public Summary  (Archaeological Site Report, 44AX211 and 212)
  • Sipe, Boyd. Archeological Evaluation Report (Phase I Archeological Investigation) and Research Management Plan for the James Bland Development Property, City of Alexandria, Virginia . Thunderbird Archeology, Gainesville, Virginia, 2010. Public Summary  (Archaeological Site Report, 44AX211 and 212)

Immune Regiments in the Spanish American War

  • Cunningham, Roger D. We are an orderly body of men”: Virginia’s Black “Immunes” in the Spanish-American War. Historic Alexandria Quarterly, Summer 2001.

Lynchings and the Equal Justice Initiative

  • Alexandria Community Remembrance Project
  • Lynching in America: Confronting the Legacy of Racial Terror. The Equal Justice Initiative, 2015.
  • Commentary: A Man Was Lynched in Alexandria: 120 Years Ago Today
    Audrey Davis, Director, Alexandria Black History Museum. The Alexandria Gazette Packet, August 12, 2019
  • Healing Alexandria’s History of Racial Terror: Community commemorates 1899 lynching near Market Square. Eliza Esher, The Alexandria Gazette Packet, August 19, 2019 http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2019/aug/19/healing-alexandrias-history-racial-terror/
  • ‘Profound Regret’ for History of Lynchings in Virginia: General Assembly seeks reconciliation. Kaytlin Nickens, Capital News Service. The Alexandria Gazette Packet, February 12, 2019 
  • Flashes of Violence in Alexandria’s History. Vernon Miles. The Alexandria Gazette Packet, June 12, 2017 

Education and the Parker-Gray School

  • History of the Parker-Gray Schools
  • Parker-Gray School Archives and the Online Collection
  • Lyles, Mable T. Caught Between Two Systems (Desegregating Alexandria's Schools 1954-1973). Written by Alexandria native and former educator, this book takes the reader behind the actions which helped to desegregate the Alexandria schools. (Available for purchase from The Alexandria Shop.)

Civil Rights: Samuel Tucker and America’s First Sit-Down Strike

  • History of the Alexandria Black History Museum. The Sit-Down Strike and the Robinson Library.
  • Samuel Wilbert Tucker. Unsung Hero of the Civil Rights Movement (a short history)
  • Out of Obscurity (CD) 2013 documentary on Samuel Wilbert Tucker the Sit-Down Strike. (CD available for purchase at the museum.)
  • Silcox, Nancy Noyes. Samuel Wilbert Tucker, the Story of a Civil Rights Trailblazer and the 1939 Alexandria Library Sit-In (Children's Book). Children's book on the life of famed attorney and civil rights activist Samuel Wilbert Tucker, illustrated and appropriate for 4th - 6th grade students. (Book available for purchase from The Alexandria Shop.)
  • McCargo Bah, Char, Christa Watters, Audrey P. Davis, Gwendolyn Brown-Henderson and James E. Henson, Sr. African Americans of Alexandria Virginia: Beacons of Light in the Twentieth Century. The History Press, 2013. (Book available for purchase from The Alexandria Shop)
  • America's First Sit-Down Strike: The 1939 Alexandria Library Sit-In (Lesson Plan)

The Ramsey Homes and Public Housing

The Ramsay Homes

  • The Ramsey Homes: An Example of Early Public Housing in Alexandria
  • Historic Context and Significance Statement (August 2015)
  • Historic American Building Survey (December 2015)
  • Documentary Study and Archaeological Resource Assessment (April 2016)
    Two-page abstract  
  • Archaeological Evaluation (Phase I/II Archaeological Investigations) (September 2016) 
    One-page abstract 
  • Resource Management Plan (Data Recovery Treatment for the Portion of Site 44AX0160 Located Within the Ramsey Homes Property) (May 2017)
  • Management Summary, Phase III of Site 44AX0160 (October 2018)

The James Bland Homes

  • Sipe, Boyd and Kimberly Snyder. Documentary Study and Archeological Resource Assessment for the James Bland Homes, City of Alexandria, Virginia. Thunderbird Archeology, Gainesville, Virginia. Public Summary  (Archaeological Site Report, 44AX211 and 212)
  • Sipe, Boyd. Archeological Evaluation Report (Phase I Archeological Investigation) and Research Management Plan for the James Bland Development Property, City of Alexandria, Virginia. Thunderbird Archeology, Gainesville, Virginia, 2010. Public Summary  (Archaeological Site Report, 44AX211 and 212)
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