Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Ramsay House
Erected by City of Alexandria.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1749.
Location. 38° 48.274′ N, 77° 2.542′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town. Marker is at the intersection of King Street and Fairfax Street, on the left when traveling east on King Street. Marker is at sidewalk level, on the side of the house. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alexandria VA 22314, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The Ramsay House (here, next to this marker); Historic Alexandria (a few steps from 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). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Additional commentary.
1. Text on the Wooden Plaque
THE RAMSAY HOUSE Built Circa 1724. 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 major; JAMES M. DUNCAN, Jr., councilman; JOHN J. EWALD councilman; FRANK E. MANN, councilman; JOHN T. TIGER, 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.
— Submitted March 8, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 3,354 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 7, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 3. submitted on March 8, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.