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

Washington-Rochambeau Route

Alexandria Encampment

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 21, 2008

1. Washington-Rochambeau Route Marker

Inscription. Most of the American and French armies set sail from three ports in Maryland—Annapolis, Baltimore, and Head of Elk—in mid-Sept. 1781 to besiege the British army in Yorktown. The allied supply-wagon traln proceeded overland to Yorktown, its itinerary divided into segments called “Marches.” Its “Fourth March” was from Georgetown to Alexandria; the wagons took two days, 24-25 Sept., to cross the Potomac and reunite in Virginia. The Alexandria camp was roughly a half-mile in area, located north of Oronoco Street and bisected by Washington Street. The train left Alexandria on 26 Sept.

Erected 1998 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number E-106.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the The Washington-Rochambeau Route, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1781.

Location. 38° 48.578′ N, 77° 2.747′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town West. It is at the intersection of Oronoco Street and North Washington Street (Virginia Route 400), on the left when traveling east on Oronoco Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lee-Fendall House (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Lee-Fendall House (a few steps from this marker); Home of Edmund Jennings Lee (within shouting distance of this marker); Potts-Fitzhugh-Lee House (within shouting distance of this marker); From Factory to Housing (within shouting distance of this marker); Grosvenor Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Street (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Historic Street (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Lee’s Boyhood Home (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 21, 2008

2. Washington-Rochambeau Route Marker

This and the Lee-Fendall House Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 21, 2008

3. This and the Lee-Fendall House Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,082 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 26, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.