Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Ramsay House

Built Circa 1724

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 30, 2018

1. The Ramsay House Marker

Inscription. Oldest house in Alexandria owned by William Ramsay, a Founder, Trustee, and the first Mayor of Alexandria in 1749. Later occupied by his son Dennis Ramsay and his descendants. Interest in preserving the house was initiated by Edward C. Van Devanter.

It was purchased by the City in 1944 to prevent its demolition. The Alexandria Historical Society, Inc. was then authorized by the City Council to undertake the restoration. The work was commenced through gifts by the Alexandria Association and public spirited citizens.

In 1955 the City Council appropriated funds to complete the restoration.

The City Council:
Leroy S. Bendheim, Mayor; Joseph M. Pancoast, vice mayor; James M. Duncan, Jr., councilman; John J. Ewald, councilman; Frank E. Mann, councilman; John T. Ticer, councilman; F. Clinton Knight, councilman

City Manager, Ira F. Willard
Architect for Restoration, Milton L. Grigg
Builder, Eugene and Clarence Simpson

Garden and Landscaping,
Hunting Creek Garden Club

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1724.

Location.

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38° 48.276′ N, 77° 2.539′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town. Marker is on King Street east of North Fairfax Street, on the right when traveling west. On the side of the Ramsay House that faces the courtyard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 221 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. Historic Alexandria (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Ramsay House (here, next to this marker); Col. John Fitzgerald (a few steps from this marker); Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum (a few steps from this marker); The Lynching of Benjamin Thomas (within shouting distance of this marker); Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of George Gilpin 1740-1813 (within shouting distance of this marker); Carlyle House Historic Park (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 30, 2018

2. The Ramsay House Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 817 times since then and 121 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 1, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.