Alexandria in the Colonial and Revolutionary Era, A Guided Walking Tour

Our nation has started to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War that began in Massachusetts in April of 1775. Alexandria, Virginia has its own connections to the Revolution including in July of 1774, a committee in Fairfax County (which included Alexandria at the time) that rejected the British Parliament's claim of supreme authority over the colonies. This document, called the Fairfax Resolves is considered a major turning point on the road to revolution.

On this guided walking tour, we'll look at and talk about locations in Old Town Alexandria connected to the events and personalities from the 18th and early 19th century. We'll discuss a number of events as we walk around the oldest parts of the city. I'll include some discussion of:

George Washington's connection to the city

How Alexandria became one of the most active slave trading centers in the nation in the early 1800s and how state laws concerning slavery impacted lives in Alexandria

The meeting in Alexandria that foreshadowed the Constitutional Convention

How Alexandria was a launching point for one war in the 18th century and how in the early 19th century the city capitulated to a foreign enemy

Soldiers connected to Alexandria that served with George Washington in the Revolutionary War.

This is an in-person event and will not be streamed online.

The tour will take place within about six blocks of Market Square in several directions so we can easily get back to where we started. We will not be going into any of the buildings but only viewing them from the outside.

This is a walking tour that will last approximately two hours. We will meet near the intersection of King and Royal Streets at Market Square in Alexandria and end the tour nearby. There is parking on the streets and nearby parking garages. If coming by Metro, get off at the King Street - Old Town Station then take the free King Street Trolley about 15 blocks to Market Square. There is no cost for the tour, but I will accept gratuities at the conclusion.

Meeting Point: Market Square in Alexandria, near the intersection of King and Royal Streets. I will be wearing a broad brimmed, tan colored hat and carrying a tan shoulder bag. If you are running late check the meeting place, I will give an introduction there. Then we'll be walking on N. Royal to Cameron and turning left and heading up to Christ Church.

Weather: This event will take place light rain (sprinkles) or shine.

Disclaimer: Participants are fully responsible for their own safety and not the event organizer: Washington, DC History & Culture.
My name is Harry and I have been leading tours in the DC area since 2015. There is no charge for the tour, but I will accept gratuities at the conclusion.