Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Alexander Family
Abingdon Plantation
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, December 10, 2025
1. The Alexander Family Marker
Abingdon Plantation was originally part of a 6,000 acre tract of land granted to Robert Howson in 1669. As master of a sailing ship, he was given the land in exchange for transporting settlers to the colony of Virginia. Howson sold it to John Alexander for 6,000 pounds of tobacco.
John Alexander was a sea captain and surveyor who emigrated from Scotland to Virginia. After his death in 1677, Alexanders land was divided between his sons.
By 1746, Gerard Alexander I, John Alexanders grandson, built a house on his portion of the land. Its one-and-a-half story oak framework, side brick chimneys and steep roof were typical of early colonial houses. The brick foundation to the right was part of his home. The other brick wall and foundation in front of this placard are from a later kitchen/laundry structure.
Gerard Alexander I was probably the first member of the Alexander family to live on this land. After his death in 1761, his three sons inherited the estate.
Erected by Metropoliitan Washington Airports Authority.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1669.
Location. 38° 51.07′ N, 77° 2.663′
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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: The Dress (here, next to this marker); Abingdon (a few steps from this marker); The Industrial Age (a few steps from this marker); Abingdon Plantation Restoration (a few steps from this marker); The Stable Manager - Rented to George Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); The Custis Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Abingdon Plantation (within shouting distance of this marker); Abingdon and John Alexander (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.
More about this marker. On the lower right of the marker is a drawing of tobacco leaves. It is captioned, "In 1669, the land which became Abingdon Plantation was sold for 6,000 pounds of tobacco to John Alexander."
Also see . . . Abingdon Plantation. (Submitted on July 11, 2011, by Bernard H. Berne of Arlington, Virginia.)
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, December 10, 2025
2. The Alexander Family Marker
Photographed by Kevin W., June 12, 2008
3. The Alexander Family Marker
Behind the marker is the reconstructed remains of a kitchen/laundry structure added later in the plantation's history.
Photographed by Kevin W., June 12, 2008
4. Reconstructed Abingdon House Foundation
Credits. This page was last revised on May 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 5,861 times since then and 186 times this year. Last updated on April 28, 2026, by Bernard H. Berne of Arlington, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 10, 2025, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on June 17, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
