Attractions
Gadsby’s Tavern consists of a tavern (1785) and the City Hotel (1792). The Tavern was the happening place to be and the center of all business, political, and social gatherings. It held dances, theater and music performances, and all local organization meetings. Some of the customers who frequented the Tavern include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Adams, and Marquis de Lafayette. Today Gadsby’s Tavern is full of history, architecture, arts, food, clothing, and customs of the 18th century.
The Alexandria Archaeology Museum has students, volunteers, and archaeologists that work, study, and manage details and archaeological finds and resources that are important to the city’s past. With the Archeology Museum you can research the history of the town, explore the current city in a walking or biking tour, view archeological finds, or even go on a “Dig Day” or to summer camp.
The Friendship Fire Company Museum showcases hand-drawn fire engines, axes, leather water buckets, and other fire-fighting equipment that was used when the Company was established in 1855. The Friendship Fire Company was Alexandria’s first volunteer fire company and the museum also has parade uniforms, capes, banners, and other ceremonial objects available for viewing.
The Black History Museum is comprised of the Robert H Robinson Library, which was built in 1940 after a sit-in at the Alexandria Library, and the Reading Room (1955), which was used for learning about African-Americans, their traditions, and their cultures. Also part of the museum is the African American Heritage Park, which is a nine acre park that includes an African American cemetery.
Fort Ward is a Union fort that was built to protect Washington, DC during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Through its many reenactments, the Museum and Historic Site shows what life was like for civilians and soldiers in Alexandria during these times and the city’s importance to the Union Army. The museum has exhibits on Civil War topics, educational programs, tours, lectures, and live history activities.
The Alexander History Museum was originally known as “The Lyceum” and was established in 1839 as a grand hall, joined with the Alexandria Library Company, and was used as a place for quiet reading, scientific experiments, and a lecture hall. Since then it has also been used as a private home, Civil War hospital, and an office building for the Bicentennial Center. It is now a museum with exhibitions and used for school programs, concerts and lectures, and community functions.
The Lloyd House was built in 1796 and was used as a school, boarding house during World War II, and a historical library. It is now the head of the Office of Historic Alexandria and can be rented for meetings, parties, and receptions.
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial overlooks the nations capital and is located on Shooters Hill just a mile away from the Potomac River. The 333 ft. structure is a memorial of George Washington, patriot, Mason, and President. It was dedicated in May, 1932, by the Masonic fraternity and is the only single effort of all of the Grand Lodges in the United States. It is open to the public daily and offers special art history and Masonic tours.
The Carlyle House was built in 1752 by the Scottish merchant, John Carlyle. General Braddock and five royal governors met here to discuss the French and Indian War. The Carlyle House is now open for tours and is available for renting.
The Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden is available for rent for events such as weddings, dinner parties, birthday celebrations, business retreats, and receptions. The Lee-Fendall House was built in 1785 Philip Richard Fendall, who bought the land from his cousin, Revolutionary War hero Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee who also happened to be the father of General Robert E. Lee.