Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Alexandria, D.C.
City of Alexandria Est. 1749
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 30, 2018
At first, Alexandrians welcomed the town's inclusion into Washington, D.C., but the residents soon became disillusioned. Provisions of the 1791 Act creating the District precluded the construction of any Federal buildings south of the Potomac River. Furthermore, the 1801 District Act disenfranchised the local populace, who could not vote in presidential elections nor have representation in Congress. Discussions about possibly outlawing slavery in the District also provided a strong impetus to retrocede Alexandria, a major slave trading center, to Virginia. In July 1846, the U.S. Congress voted to permit the retrocession upon referendum and, once approved, the land was formally accepted back by the Commonwealth of Virginia a year later.
Boundary Stones
The first and southernmost boundary stone was set at Alexandria's Jones Point, and four more stones still exist within the city.
Erected by City of Alexandria.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Colonial Era • Government & Politics • Political Subdivisions. In addition, it is included in the Original Federal Boundary Stones, and the Virginia, The City of Alexandria series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1749.
Location. 38° 48.364′ N, 77° 3.268′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town. Marker is at the intersection of King Street (Virginia Route 7) and North West Street, on the right when traveling west on King Street. According to Alexandria.gov in its Wayfinding: Alexandria, DC. "In Old Town, mini kiosks are located at designated intersections along King Street, Cameron Street, and the Waterfront to provide an orientation for pedestrians.". Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1321 King Street, Alexandria VA 22314, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Freedom House Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); The Growth of Upper King Street (within shouting distance of this marker); L’Ouverture Hospital (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Port City
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 30, 2018
Additional keywords. Original Federal Boundary Stones marker series
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 30, 2018
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 30, 2018
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 30, 2018
Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 392 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on October 16, 2019, by Roberto Bernate of Arlington, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 31, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.