Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Alexandria Archaeology Museum
City of Alexandria Est. 1749
The launch of urban renewal in 1965 led to a boom of archaeological discoveries in Alexandria's Old and Historic District. As buildings were razed exposing artifact-laden layers of history, community outcry demanded that the City address and halt the archaeological losses. The significance of the finds led the Smithsonian Institution to finance the archaeological investigations. When this support eventually ceased, a group of residents created the "Committee of 100," with each member contributing $10 per month to enable excavation to continue. The constant sight of this salvage work and the array of artifact from early taverns, a comb maker, a doctor's office, and a shoemaker bolstered the public's appreciation of archaeology. Residents successfully lobbied the Alexandria City Council, which in 1975, created the Alexandria Archaeological Commission, the first of its kind in the United States, and hired a professional City archaeologist in 1977.
The archaeology program continues today with collections of more than two million artifacts spanning 13,000 years of the City's history. City Council furthered support for history
this page online
Erected by City of Alexandria, Virginia.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, The City of Alexandria series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1965.
Location. 38° 48.254′ N, 77° 2.404′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town. It is at the intersection of King Street and North Union Street, on the left when traveling east on King Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 103
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, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: John Fitzgerald (a few steps from this marker); War of 1812 (within shouting distance of this marker); River Ferries (within shouting distance of this marker); Waterfront Walk (within shouting distance of this marker); Plundered! (within shouting distance of this marker); Raise the White Flag (within shouting distance of this marker); Foot of King Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Pioneer Mill (within shouting
Another marker is no longer nearby. Alexandria (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . Alexandria Archaeology Museum. (Submitted on April 2, 2018.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 546 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 1, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
