Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
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 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. 38° 48.276′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
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
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,870 times since then and 83 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.
