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

Lodge No. 38, Independent Order of Odd Fellows

Photographed by Kevin Vincent, March 16, 2013

1. Lodge No. 38, Independent Order of Odd Fellows Marker

Inscription. The first story was built in 1812 as the first female free school in Virginia endowed by Mrs. Martha Washington and Mr. W. B. Dandredge. Potomac Lodge No. 38 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows purchased the property on November 15, 1841 and erected the second story. During the Civil War the first floor was used to stable the horses of the Federal troops and the second floor served as a hospital. After the Civil War the lower floor was leased to Father Carne who for many years conducted the St. John’s Military Academy. Several of the churches in Alexandria were organized herein. Dedicated to the principals of the Order, friendship, love and truth, many outstanding citizens of Alexandria have taken part in its operation.

Erected by Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is November 15, 1841.

Location. 38° 48.42′ N, 77° 2.87′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town West. It is on North Columbus Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 218 North Columbus Street, Alexandria VA 22314, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

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: Alexandria Quaker Burial Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); Alexandria Library Sit-In (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Alexandria's First Sugar Refinery (about 300 feet away); In Memory of the Honorary Pall-Bearers of General George Washington (about 300 feet away); Elisha Cullen Dick, M.D. (about 300 feet away); Original Site of Immanuel Lutheran Church (about 300 feet away); Site of First Synagogue of Beth El Hebrew Congregation (about 300 feet away); Lloyd House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

Other markers no longer nearby. Alexandria Library Sit-In (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Welcome to Christ Church (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Regarding Lodge No. 38, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The building was renovated and converted into six homes by Holland and Associates Architects in 1980.

Also see . . . Historic Alexandria Quarterly article on "The Educational Use of the Property". (Submitted on July 27, 2013, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia.)

Photographed by Kevin Vincent, March 16, 2013

2. Lodge No. 38, Independent Order of Odd Fellows Marker

The marker is visible on the building. The building's present appearance reflects the revised architecture of the Odd Fellows Lodge rather than the appearance of the original school.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2013, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,219 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 27, 2013, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.