Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
World Wars to the Present
In 1911, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers infilled the cove at Jones Point, creating 46.5 acres of land. During World War I, the Virginia Shipbuilding Corporation used the infilled land to construct—in only 85 days—an enormous federal shipyard employing as many as 7,000 workers.
During World War II, Jones Point served as a military communications transmitter site operated by the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Since the war, it has been used as a Naval Reserve station, U.S. Army Reserve facility, and shooting range for the Alexandria Police Department.
The replacement of the original Woodrow Wilson Bridge with the larger one you see today sparked extensive public debate. A multitude of entities, from government agencies to citizen action and preservation groups, were able to channel federal funds from the new bridge's construction to restore and interpret the historic resources of the Point, bring back wildlife habitat, and provide athletic fields, playgrounds and other recreational features.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • War, World I • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.
Location. 38° 47.535′ N, 77° 2.548′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town. Marker can be reached from Jones Point Drive, 0.2 miles South Royal Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker located near a playground in Jones Point Park. 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 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Emerging Nation (here, next to this marker); Prehistory to Colonial Settlement (here, next to this marker); The First People on Jones Point (within shouting distance of this marker); A World War I Shipyard Transforms Jones Point (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); World War I-Era Rudder (about 300 feet away); Mount Vernon Trail (about 300 feet away); Potomac Connections (about 400 feet away); Welcome to Jones Point Park (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. These three markers jointly tell the history of Jones Point.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 590 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 21, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.