The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce

The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce With more than 800 member businesses ranging from one-of-a-kind small businesses to leading global or W.A. Smoot, Jr.
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In late 1906, a group of Alexandria's business leaders came together with the idea of forming an organization to assure business standards, to work toward better business conditions and to serve as an active voice in framing public policies affecting the business community. That organization was called the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and pioneered a new form of business representation, advocacy

and service. The following year the Alexandria Chamber went on to become a founding member of the newly organized United States Chamber of Commerce. served as the first president of the Alexandria Chamber with the mission of providing a voice for those engaged in business. The Alexandria Chamber also serves as a catalyst for registering and mobilizing business opinion for the betterment of the community. There have been many changes over the years, however, our fundamental concept and mission has remained unchanged. The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization dedicated to the advocacy of business interests. The Chamber has played a key leadership role by:

lobbying to keep Alexandria's tax rates among the lowest in Northern Virginia;
promoting public parking opportunities in the City's historic district;
supporting the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project;
Launching the Alexandria Education Partnership to ensure a bright future for Alexandria's youth; and promoting quality commercial development to ensure Alexandria's economic stability for years to come. Today, the City of Alexandria is thriving and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce continues to provide vital services to its members and takes the lead in striving to maintain the balance of high quality of life and economic vitality.

Are you feeling hungry and craving a delicious burger? Then you won't want to miss out on the grand opening of Smashburg...
10/05/2023

Are you feeling hungry and craving a delicious burger? Then you won't want to miss out on the grand opening of Smashburger in Kingstown! Come join the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome our newest addition to the community. And as a special treat, Smashburger is offering you a complimentary meal, to commemorate this exciting occasion! So mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 10th at 11 a.m. and head on over to Smashburger at 5920 Kingstown Center in Alexandria, VA. We can't wait to see you there!

10/05/2023

The Founder, Board of Directors, and Advisory Board members (of which I am one!) are thrilled to announce the Inaugural Gala of The National Center of Women’s Innovations will be held on the evening of Friday, October 27th! I hope you join us as we gather to honor, celebrate, and promote women’s innovative leadership and the pioneering visions, projects, programs, and inventions women have created in our past, present, and for our future. For more information on this non-profit and gala ticket information, please visit: https://womensinnovations.org/. Look forward to seeing you there!

10/05/2023

It’s Hispanic Heritage month still! Silvina and Vanessa had a blast recording some podcast episodes in honor of our heritage and our Spanish speaking community!! Stay tuned for some exciting releases soon!

Todavía es el mes de la herencia Hispana! ¡Silvina y Vanessa se la pasaron genial grabando algunos episodios del Kindred Tree’ple podcast en honor a nuestra herencia y a nuestra comunidad hispana! ¡Estén atentos por algunos lanzamientos emocionantes pronto!

We would be delighted if you could join us at Elancé at West End (5550 Cardinal Place, Alexandria, VA) for an evening of...
10/05/2023

We would be delighted if you could join us at Elancé at West End (5550 Cardinal Place, Alexandria, VA) for an evening of pampering! Take some time to relax and unwind with other esteemed industry professionals while enjoying a mini massage and engaging conversations. RSVP now to make sure you don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to recharge and connect!

To RSVP email [email protected] or call 703-940-3300! We hope to see you there!

Kissal Communications, LLC (KComms) is a small business owned by a woman specializing in providing effective, efficient,...
10/05/2023

Kissal Communications, LLC (KComms) is a small business owned by a woman specializing in providing effective, efficient, and impactful communication services. With over two decades of experience in the field, KComm's diverse skill set allows them to develop communication strategies that deliver measurable results for their clients. The company's extensive portfolio includes public relations, project management, content creation, messaging, and web development, all aimed at providing clients with solution-based and result-driven communications.

KComms focuses on B2C communications within the healthcare and wellness sectors. They understand the significance of translating complex information into easily understandable messages, which helps clients, patients, and consumers make informed decisions. KComms strives to create well-informed consumers, clients, and patients with evidence-based information.

10/05/2023

Join Casey and Lillianna of Cowo & Creche take you on a tour of their charming and beautiful boutique coworking space. Get ready to be captivated by their descriptions and fall in love with the incredible space they have created.

Join us for An Evening of Perfect Pairings! https://conta.cc/3LKVd3a
10/05/2023

Join us for An Evening of Perfect Pairings! https://conta.cc/3LKVd3a

  The Chamber ALX's Professional Women's Network Evening of Perfect Pairings: Wine + Chocolate, Women + Business Don't miss our annual Evening of Perfect Pairings: Wine + Chocolate, Women + Business e

Optfinity strives to be a leading provider of technology solutions. Its main objective is to empower small and medium-si...
10/05/2023

Optfinity strives to be a leading provider of technology solutions. Its main objective is to empower small and medium-sized businesses with the same resources and capabilities as larger corporations, enabling them to boost their profits without maintaining an in-house IT department. OptfinITy has been recognized as one of the world's most innovative 501 Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

10/05/2023

Help us also welcome Pauline the Director of Sales for Alate Old Town!

Senior Lifestyle is a dedicated community for seniors to achieve fulfilling lifestyles through health, wellness, and connection. Their commitment to resident well-being is unparalleled, with personalized care plans, innovative programming, and convenient amenities. Alate Old Town offers 130 private apartments, cozy amenity spaces, and a restaurant-style dining room. It's the perfect place for active seniors to explore the next phase of their lives. Opening specials and Diamond Charter Membership benefits are available for founding members. Alate Old Town is scheduled to open in March 2024!

10/04/2023

Help us welcome Zainab the Executive Director of Alate Old Town as a member of the Chamber ALX!

Senior Lifestyle is dedicated to helping residents achieve fulfilling lifestyles through a focus on health, wellness, and connection. Their commitment to the well-being of residents is unparalleled, with each community tailored to the unique needs and diverse backgrounds of its senior population. Along with a friendly and compassionate staff, Senior Lifestyle provides a range of personalized care plans, innovative programming, and convenient amenities to ensure that residents thrive in every aspect of their lives. Alate Old Town will offer more than 130 beautiful, private apartments bathed in natural light, cozy amenity spaces, and a restaurant-style dining room where you can eat delicious meals with friends and family. It’s the perfect place to explore the next phase of your life for active seniors. Opening specials await new residents when the community opens in March 2024. You can also take advantage of the Diamond Charter Membership, which will entitle you to an array of benefits for being a founding member of the Alate Old Town community.

10/04/2023

For the last three years, the Carlyle Halloween Bar Crawl has raised money for ALIVE!'s work to create a safety net for our Alexandria neighbors in need.

Join us on October 28th from 2pm-6pm for the Annual Halloween Bar Crawl in Carlyle, Alexandria! Start your crawl at any of the participating restaurants: Whiskey & Oyster, Sweet Fire Donna's, Tequila and Taco or Lost Boy Cider.

Get ready for All-Day Festive Drink Cocktails, Signature Party Favors, Epic Outfit Contests, Photos, Giveaways & more! EACH participating restaurant will have a drawing for a chance to win an amazing prize - must have purchased a ticket to enter! Ride the King Street Trolly to all these amazing restaurants.

Date: October 28th, 2023
Time: 2pm-6pm
Price: $10 - 100% of our Registration Fee will be donated to ALIVE!
Registrants can pick up their wrist bands at any of the participating restaurants.
You must be 21 years or older to participate. Please drink responsibly.

To sign up and join the fun on Saturday, October 28th visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-carlyle-halloween-bar-crawl-tickets-694948649117

10/04/2023

We are hosting a coat drive benefiting the Latin American Youth Center! 💗 We are accepting new and lightly-worn coats of all sizes. Help us spread the warmth this winter!

10/04/2023

The festivities continue with Hispanic Culture in the Cinema this Saturday at the Patrick Henry Rec. Center.

Stop by to enjoy a day of Latino/x-themed movies: alexandriava.gov/HispanicHeritage

10/04/2023

🎉 Join us for our Two Year Anniversary Month at YogaSix Kingstowne! 🥳 Exciting lineup ahead, so reserve your spot now:
Book online at https://www.yogasix.com/location/kingstowne. The Y6 Mobile App, or Call/Text 571.388.3685
Please take advantage of giveaways, discounts, special classes, and our Two Year Anniversary Social! 🧘‍♀️🎁📱🎈

10/04/2023

Oktoberfest is HERE! Check out our featured menu for the month of October. Available all month long! 🇩🇪🍺​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ♥️

Elevate HSS  is more than just a business. Christine is committed to positively impacting the lives of her clients and t...
10/04/2023

Elevate HSS is more than just a business. Christine is committed to positively impacting the lives of her clients and the community. They focus on developing their business to create positive change for everyone they work with.

Christine Sennott, a native of Virginia and a third-generation Realtor, has worked in real estate for over a decade. She is also a proud resident of Old Town Alexandria and is fully involved in the community. Christine aims to enhance people's lives through homeownership by streamlining the buy/sell process and providing solutions that support their lifestyle and financial objectives. Elevate Home Sales Service is more than just a business. She is committed to positively impacting the lives of their clients and the community. Christine focuses on developing their business to create positive change for everyone she works with.

Register Now for Breakfast Networking with The Arlington Chamber! https://conta.cc/3RIJQwk
10/04/2023

Register Now for Breakfast Networking with The Arlington Chamber! https://conta.cc/3RIJQwk

  It’s that time of year! The Chamber ALX’s October Networking Breakfast with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, presented by United Bank is coming up. Exchange business cards, share your elevator pi

10/04/2023

For California residents, and to the extent NEOGOV sells your personal information as the term “sell” is defined under the California Consumer Privacy Act, you have the right to opt-out of the sale of your personal information by us to third parties at any time. This setting only applies to regi...

AJS Consulting Engineers P.C. is a well-established firm that designs Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning, electri...
10/04/2023

AJS Consulting Engineers P.C. is a well-established firm that designs Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems for various projects such as hospitals and energy-efficient housing. They are experienced in creating complex systems for airports, sizeable central chiller plants, and more straightforward methods for institutional, commercial, and residential buildings. The firm's seasoned engineers provide design services for new building constructions and the rehabilitation/renovation of existing buildings. Their energy analysis and design expertise are evident from their receipt of an ASHRAE ENERGY AWARD for innovative design. The firm's engineers are skilled in both computer-based and manual energy analysis and design to ensure the best possible outcomes for their clients.

10/04/2023

Get ready to discover some amazing Alexandrian Brands as Lillianna and Casey from Cowo & Creche share their top picks in their latest video! Join them as they take you on a journey of their favorite brands that are sure to impress.

Who can resist the tantalizing aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee? If you're a coffee lover, you simply must try th...
10/03/2023

Who can resist the tantalizing aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee? If you're a coffee lover, you simply must try the deliciously bold flavors of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii. And guess what? You could win a free bag of their premium coffee beans! That's right, from October 1st to October 15th, you can enter their raffle sweepstakes simply by ordering an Almond Mocha Latte (any size, hot or cold) at Bad Ass Coffee - Alexandria. They'll give you a ticket, and the other half of the raffle ticket (the number) will be placed in a raffle jar for the drawing on October 18th. Four lucky winners will be chosen at random and announced on Bad Ass Coffee's IG page (). If you want to be among the winners, make sure you're following Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii (badasscoffeevirginia) on Instagram. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to enjoy a free bag of some of the best coffee around!

Utilizing her extensive background as a leader in Human Resources, Dori skillfully crafts talent strategies that promote...
10/03/2023

Utilizing her extensive background as a leader in Human Resources, Dori skillfully crafts talent strategies that promote organizational success by maximizing human input and satisfaction. Whether you are commencing your journey, seeking to elevate your organization to new heights, or grappling with a talent-related conundrum that has overwhelmed your team, Ramsey Consulting, LLC is available to collaborate with you and develop a comprehensive plan that sets your organization on the path to success.

Which restaurant will you try first? https://conta.cc/3Q2qe5p
10/03/2023

Which restaurant will you try first? https://conta.cc/3Q2qe5p

Join us for dinner at 15 restaurants in one night!  Check out the restaurants who are joining our lineup for the Best in Business Awards reception, presented by Burke & Herbert Bank. Tickets are av

The Westin Alexandria Old Town is an ideal destination for both business and leisure travelers seeking a blend of modern...
10/03/2023

The Westin Alexandria Old Town is an ideal destination for both business and leisure travelers seeking a blend of modern amenities and historic charm. Located in Old Town Alexandria, guests can explore the area's cobblestone streets, red brick sidewalks, and charming boutiques and museums. The hotel is conveniently situated just across the Potomac River, providing easy access to top-notch attractions in National Harbor and Washington, D.C. The hotel boasts contemporary and comfortable rooms with flat-panel TVs and ergonomic workstations, perfect for relaxation and productivity. Guests can indulge in American cuisine at the on-site restaurant or enjoy 24-hour room service for added convenience. The hotel also offers sophisticated venues for special occasions or business events. The Westin Alexandria Old Town is the perfect choice for a revitalizing getaway.

10/03/2023

In today's video, Lillianna and Casey of Cowo & Creche spill the beans on why they absolutely love being members of Chamber ALX! They share some awesome insights that'll make you want to join too!

10/02/2023
10/02/2023

Happy Monday!

As we dive into the Fall Season and the weather has cooled off from a hot and humid summer, it's time to focus on what it takes to purchase a home in this volatile rate market!

Whether you're a first time buyer or have purchased before and it's been several years then please come out and join me and Realtor partner/friend, Mr. Mark Frieden of eXp Realty for a quick Home Buying workshop where we go through the home buying process!

We will discuss the ins and outs of the home buying process from Mark as the Realtor and myself as the lender in the transaction.

After this quick session you'll have a solid idea of what you need to be prepared for when you proceed with purchasing a home!

Please Scan the QR code on this flyer to REGISTER or click this link below! It's Free evening session, and Parking, Food & Drink will be provided! Come join us on Thursday October 19th at Intelligent Office, 2800 Eisenhower Avenue Suite #220, Alexandria VA 22314!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/home-buying-workshop-thursday-october-19-2023-tickets-722294882437?aff=oddtdtcreator

Any questions please reach out to myself or Mark!
Ru: 703.200.4554
Mark: 703.864.7576

With over 170 locations across 30 states, Griswold Home Care for Northern Virginia East has assisted over 100,000 famili...
10/02/2023

With over 170 locations across 30 states, Griswold Home Care for Northern Virginia East has assisted over 100,000 families. As a leader in this field, Griswold Home Care deeply understands the compassionate care business. The company's foundation is built on the core values of compassion and care, which remain at the forefront of its operations. Griswold Home Care's origins date back to a remarkable woman who dedicated herself to helping her neighbors in need, eventually leading to the establishment of this renowned organization.

10/02/2023
Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Va. is dedicated to developing students' character by instilling values of honor an...
10/02/2023

Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Va. is dedicated to developing students' character by instilling values of honor and excellence. Located on a sprawling 130-acre campus just outside of Washington, D.C., their students have access to a wealth of artistic, cultural, and educational resources in the nation's capital. With a focus on self-discovery, independence, and productivity, Episcopal provides an exceptional boarding school experience. It prepares graduates for success at some of the finest colleges and universities in the country. Episcopal High School aims to cultivate graduates who lead fulfilling lives with honor and purpose.

10/02/2023

In today's video meet Casey and Liliana of Cowo & Creche! Listen as they descibe the beauty and charm of this botique coworking space!

News From the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce https://conta.cc/3RLXu1I
10/01/2023

News From the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce https://conta.cc/3RLXu1I

  UPCOMING EVENTS The Chamber ALX's Best in Business Awards, presented by Burke & Herbert Bank Thursday, October 12th | 6pm-9pm | The Westin Alexandria Join the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce for a ce

Jack Taylor is a lifelong DMV native who has had diverse experiences throughout his life. He began his journey in the D....
10/01/2023

Jack Taylor is a lifelong DMV native who has had diverse experiences throughout his life. He began his journey in the D.C. and Falls Church areas, serving in the Vietnam War after joining the army. Following his time in the military, Jack ventured to the snow-covered mountains of Colorado, where he enjoyed skiing and exploration. Eventually, Jack returned to the East Coast and began his career in sales at Toyota. He has been with the company ever since, and in 1984, he opened his very own dealership, Jack Taylor's Alexandria Toyota. Over the years, he has witnessed the evolution of Alexandria and has been an active member of the community. Jack was recognized as a Living Legend of Alexandria in 2011 thanks to his significant contributions to business and community involvement.

TriNet, a reliable, professional employer organization, or PEO, offers customized full-service HR solutions to small and...
09/30/2023

TriNet, a reliable, professional employer organization, or PEO, offers customized full-service HR solutions to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across various industries. With TriNet, SMBs can effortlessly navigate the complexities of HR and access human capital expertise, benefits, risk mitigation and compliance, payroll, and real-time technology. This allows SMBs to focus on their core business activities and grow their operations. Whether you're a Main Street or Wall Street business, TriNet is the ideal partner to help you succeed.

Smile Makers Dental Center's top priority is offering exceptional dental care to the local community with genuine enthus...
09/29/2023

Smile Makers Dental Center's top priority is offering exceptional dental care to the local community with genuine enthusiasm, great compassion, warmth, and a commitment to quality. They are dedicated to preserving a compassionate environment that is courteous and gracious to all.

09/28/2023
Register Now for Breakfast Networking with The Arlington Chamber! https://conta.cc/3PBURgv
09/28/2023

Register Now for Breakfast Networking with The Arlington Chamber! https://conta.cc/3PBURgv

  It’s that time of year! The Chamber ALX’s October Networking Breakfast with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, presented by United Bank is coming up. Exchange business cards, share your elevator pi

We are honored to be associated with Oaklea Simpson Security, LLC "OSS." Their dedication and hard work are truly remark...
09/28/2023

We are honored to be associated with Oaklea Simpson Security, LLC "OSS." Their dedication and hard work are truly remarkable. Congratulations on reaching your 4th Chamber ALX Member Anniversary!

OSS was founded in 2009, and since then, they have provided exceptional services and support to clients across various industries. From Defense, Homeland Security, Intelligence, and Cyber to Law Enforcement, they have forged strategic relationships that have led to decision-making advantages for operational elements deployed worldwide.

What's even more impressive is that Oaklea Simpson Security is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) with a highly skilled and diverse workforce made up of 97% veterans.

09/27/2023

📣 Volunteers Needed for Our Friends & Neighbors Breakfast Fundraising Event!

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in our community? Do you love being part of exciting events that bring people together for a good cause? If so, we need YOU!

Event Details
📅 Date: October 19th (morning)
📍 Location: Washington Hebrew Congregation
Washington, DC

Why Volunteer with Us?

💙 Help support ending and make a difference in the lives of those in need.
💙 Be part of a vibrant, energetic team committed to creating a memorable event.
💙 Gain valuable experience and develop new skills!
💙 Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for giving back.

If interested, please email us at:
[email protected]

Spread the word! Share this post with your friends and family who might be interested in volunteering. Together, we can make this event a resounding success!

09/27/2023

Address

333 N. Fairfax Street, Ste 302
Alexandria, VA
22314

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

(703) 549-1000

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DISCLAIMER:

While we welcome member contributions about Chamber activities to this site, we remind all our members that posts should be of a respectful and collegial nature, in the spirit of our organization. The Chamber’s mission is to foster a robust business environment in the City of Alexandria and the region. In support of this mission, we strive to be diverse, inclusive and respectful of the broad spectrum of political, religious and social views of all businesses and residents. We reserve the right to delete posts that to not conform to this basic tenet of decorum.

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We received this very nice card from FedFam.org for our Fed. Government Shut Down Special. We at Diya aim to be your "Neighborhood Indian" place, we are very glad that we were able to help the community around us! Please let us know if there are any future opportunities to help lift up our neighbors with food and hospitality.
We're so excited to have Brooklyn Mack, formerly of Washington Ballet, join Metropolitan School of the Arts Nutcracker! Don't miss this spectacular international principle guest dancer! Dec. 8/9 in Alexandria at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Center. www.metropolitanarts.org
Dear The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce community – We thought you might be interested in our Leadership Coaching for Organizational Well-Being program at George Mason University. The program, which includes certification from the International Coach Federation, is designed for professionals who want to bring positive change to their careers and organizations. Learn more and read our coaching whitepaper here: https://bit.ly/2P663S0
Don’t miss Broadway Dance Center elite teachers at Metropolitan School of the Arts' Master Dance Class weekend, Sept. 22 & 23 in Alexandria. Open to the public! Got dance? Join us! http://metropolitanarts.org
Congrats to our Metropolitan School of the Arts seniors--heading to elite college performing arts programs like Pace and Elon Universities! Keeping dancing! www.metropolitanarts.org
So excited to celebrate Academy's 5-year anniversary! Dancers, singers, actors in the making! www.metropolitanarts.org
Don't miss Metropolitan School of the Arts' Snow White Ballet on Sat, May 5 in Annandale! Celebrating Snow White's 80th anniversary! Tix only $15. http://metropolitanarts.org
“Transforming the Lee Boyhood Home in Alexandria, Virginia into the Headquarters of an Interpretive Center and Urban Walking Trails on the Civil War”

Various media sites reported at the end of March 2018 that the boyhood home of Robert E. Lee, at 614 Orinoco Street, in Alexandria, Virginia, is being sold by its private owners.

The sale of the historic home of the Civil War general, educator, and pre-war head of West Point presents a unique opportunity to make Old Town Alexandria an even greater center of American history than it already is, as the hometown of George Washington, the Lees, and many other important figures and events in U.S. history.

We propose, and ask interested parties to support, the purchase of the Lee Home, and transforming it into the headquarters of a city, state, and/or federally designated Interpretive Center, along with Urban Walking Trails, on the Civil War.

Such a headquarters, visitors center and related trails would be a perfect complement to, and spur to, the expansion of Old Town Alexandria’s already rich array of events, locales, and personalities relating to America’s greatest saga, the Civil War, which speaks to the proud heritage of all Americans.

The Lee Home was in the past a museum, and is time to return it to its traditional, historic status. The abode was the boyhood home of Robert Edward Lee, the former superintendant of the Federal Army’s West Point military academy, and important staff officer during the Mexican-American War, then the Confederate commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, and after the war the President of what became Washington and Lee University, in Lexington, VA.

Across the street from the well-maintained private residence and grounds is the Lee-Fendall House, built by businessman Philip Kendall, a Lee relation. During the Civil War the Union Army, after taking control of the town, turned the house into a hospital, where surgeons performed the first successful blood transfusion. (And outside of which a later owner, United Mine Workers leader John L. Lewis, was burned in effigy during World War II for staging labor strikes during that conflict.)

Walking trails, along the lines of the self-guided Cultural Tourism walks in Washington, D.C., or Boston’s Freedom Trails, could be readily & fairly inexpensively constructed throughout Old Town. They would complement the historic markers the city has recently placed in Old Town, as well as the famed series of markers the state of Virginia has placed throughout the Commonwealth. There could be a multitude of trails, on different aspects of the war, such the Union Army, Confederate spies, African-American institutions, war-time medicine, and many other themes. The trails would be made up of attractive posters showing the trail map, explanatory text, and illustrations.

Along with fostering interest in Alexandria’s history and scholarship on the war, the Center and trails would be a boon to the city’s economy by bolstering its growing tourism industry.

--------------------

A brief outline of the historic places just on a major Old Town thoroughfare, Washington Street, just yards west of the Lee and Lee-Fendall homes, shows what a unique opportunity the area presents for exploring the Civil War.

On the west side of Washington Street is the historic home of Edmund Lee, a backer of the American Colonization Society for free “men and women of color”, which led to the establishment of the African nation of Liberia. (Liberia’s capital city is Monrovia, named for one of the antebellum Presidents, James Monroe, who held inaugural festivities at Old Town’s Gadsby’s Tavern.) Within a block to the north is a vast, 1840s-era cotton mill (now condominiums), the perfect symbol of the antebellum South’s economy.

Several blocks south on Washington St. is the stately Lloyd House. It became a schoolhouse for noted Quaker educator Benjamin Hallowell; one of his math students was the young Robert E. Lee, who went on to study engineering at West Point. Another prominent Alexandria Quaker family were the Janneys. John Janney ran the two state assemblies whereby Virginia decided against, and then for, seceding from the Union. (John Janney’s home is three blocks away.)

Around the corner is the Kate Waller Barrett Library, where in 1939 a group of African-American men staged one of the first sit-down protests against “separate but equal” segregationism. Not far from where Mary Custis Lee--the elderly daughter of Robert E. Lee--had a similar, personal protest, in 1902, on one of the segregated trolley cars of the time. (The home of town heroine Kate Waller Barrett, who grew up on a post-bellum plantation and dedicated her life to public service, is several blocks to the southeast.)

A block further south is the magnificent English country-style edifice, Christ Church, by the architect James Wren, designer of the eponymous church in Falls Church, Virginia, and descendent of Christopher Wren, architect of London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. Confederate soldiers who died in the city’s many war-time hospitals are buried in mounds by the Church entrance. In the Church itself is a commemoration of its most prominent member, Washington, who freed and educated all his slaves based in part on his experiences with black soldiers in the American Revolution. Robert E. Lee contributed a substantial sum of money to the Church.

Across the street and a block north you’ll find a house of the Society of Odd Fellows, a fraternal order of black and other professionals formed after the conflict. One of whose members was the black architect George Seaton, whose mother was a servant of Martha Washington, who endowed a school on the site. Seaton served on the jury that presided over the trial of former Confederate President Jefferson Davis. (Seaton’s own home is located a half a dozen blocks away.)

Two blocks further south on Washington St. is the Appomattox statue, with its Confederate soldier meditating on the war and the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse by General Lee to General Ulysses S Grant. The bronze figure was sculpted by Czech immigrant Caspar Buberle, who created as well the elegant frieze of Union Army soldiers on the old Pension Building for Union Army veterans, in Washington, D.C., now the National Building Museum. Buberle was selected for that task by Union Army General Montgomery Miegs, designer of Arlington National Cemetery, originally laid out on the grounds of Lee’s Arlington House during the war. The Appomattox statue was unveiled in 1889 by Virginia Governor Fitzhugh Lee, nephew of Robert E. Lee, and a former Confederate general, as well as a future Federal Army general of the Spanish-American War.

This intersection at Washington St. and Duke St. is primed with poignant reminders of many facets of the Civil War. Next to the statue is the Lyceum, Alexandria’s history museum, and a speakers hall that featured such ante-bellum luminaries as John Quincy Adams, the President and congressman responsible for the successful Supreme Court defense of the escaped slaves from the Amistad ship. Half a block north is the attractive façade of the United Methodist Church which, reflecting the nation’s divisions, split into North and South denominations in the run-up to the War Between the States. Occupied as a stable by the Union Army, the federal government later paid the Church restitution.

One block further south is the Beulah Baptist Church, one of the town’s initial African-American places of worship, and one of its first black schools, noted for the education of the free men and women fleeing, or emancipated from, slavery. Prominent African-American leaders such as Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglass visited it and other, extant black churches a few blocks to the south and west. Up the street from the Beulah Church is the Downtown Baptist Church, turned into a hospital where Alexandrian women were blocked by Union soldiers from bringing linen and food to wounded Confederate soldiers treated inside by Union doctors.

Another block south of it is the Alexandria Academy, founded by George Washington as a free public school, for boys and girls, at the same time he endowed what became Washington and Lee University and George Washington University. Before the Civil War, children of James Madison and Lighthorse Harry Lee, the latter Washington’s cavalry commander and Robert E. Lee’s father, were educated there, as were groups of black children. During the Civil War, the Academy became a school and a hospital for freedmen.

The amazingly rich Civil War heritage of Alexandria isn’t limited to Washington St. of course. Old Town and its environs boast scores of other sites. The heritage trails would connect all the sites, but in a compact area only several miles across.

Several of the most prominent locales are:

• The Carlyle Mansion, home to the Green family and a Union Army hospital that was the real-life locale of the “Mercy Street” PBS television series

• The Marshall House hotel, now the site of the Alexandrian Hotel, where Union Colonel Elmer Ellsworth and pro-Southern hotel owner James W. Jackson killed each other in a firefight, over a Confederate flag that Jackson had unfurled at his hotel, thus becoming among the first fatalities of the war.

• The unique “Bank of the Two States”, a grand merchant bank that hosted the twin, war-time governments of Union Virginia, as opposed to the Confederate state of Virginia, including the breakaway state of West Virginia. Confederate General John Mosby, later a U.S. ambassador in the Far East for President Grant, conducted secret war-time surveillance of the place.

• The former publishing house of the Alexandria Gazette newspaper, burned by Union troops after its editorials backed the refusal of the reverend of a nearby church, designed by architect of the U.S. Capitol Benjamin Latrobe, to endorse “either President”, Abraham Lincoln or Jefferson Davis, in his sermons. The fire-blackened walls are still visible, as is the fire house, across the street (now a private home), whose firemen attempted to douse the blaze.

• Various sites associated with Harriet Jacobs, a enslaved woman of mixed heritage turned abolitionist, author, and college founder. Jacobs founded various charities and schools for escaped, “contraband” slaves and freedmen in war-torn and post-bellum Alexandria.

• The grand Vowell-Smith House, Old Town’s second-largest house, and home of attorney Francis Smith. Smith successfully argued before the Supreme Court a case under which the federal government paid Robert E. Lee’s heirs compensation for the transformation of his Arlington House property into what became Arlington National Cemetery.

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This notion for an interpretative visitors center and walking trails on Alexandria’s large role in the Civil War is a preliminary one. It is hoped this document will spur discussion and generate interest in this fascinating and educational topic.

The next step may be to establish a group to attract interested parties and funds for the purchase of the Lee Home, and to begin planning its transformation into a Civil War museum and interpretative center, as well as the construction of themed walking trails in Old Town.

If you or your organization is intrigued by this exciting, once-in-a century project of living history, kindly respond with interest and ideas.

Together, we could transform Alexandria into one of the prime places in America--along with Gettysburg, Richmond, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.--on the exploration of the Civil War, America’s most enthralling saga!

Respectfully yours,

Edward P. Moser

Historian, author, professional tour guide
Alexandria, VA
[email protected]

http://thezebra.org/2018/04/08/letter-to-the-editor-lee-boyhood-home-should-be-museum-again/

https://www.meetup.com/Lafayette-Sq-Tours-of-Scandal-Assassination-Spies-Meetup/

https://www.amazon.com/Patriots-America-Thigngs-American-Should/dp/1596525495/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517173322&sr=8-1&keywords=america+a+z+moser
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