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

Site of First Synagogue of Beth El Hebrew Congregation

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 28, 2008

1. Site of First Synagogue of Beth El Hebrew Congregation Marker

Inscription. On this site stood Beth El Hebrew Congregation’s synagogue, the first structure built as Jewish house of worship in the Washington metropolitan area. Founded in 1859, Beth El, the first reform Jewish congregation in the Washington area, is northern Virginia’s oldest Jewish congregation. Beth El built the synagogue here in 1871 and worshipped in it until 1954. A new synagogue on Seminary Road, Alexandria, was dedicated in 1957.

Erected 1984 by Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number E-92.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Synagogues, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 38° 48.4′ N, 77° 2.805′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town West. It is on North Washington Street (Virginia Route 400) north of Cameron Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 206 N Washington St, 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: Confederate Soldiers (within shouting distance of this marker); Lloyd House (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of Henry Lee

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(within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of the Honorary Pall-Bearers of General George Washington (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lord Fairfax House (about 300 feet away); Elisha Cullen Dick, M.D. (about 300 feet away); Lodge No. 38, Independent Order of Odd Fellows (about 300 feet away); Alexandria Library Sit-In (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Welcome to Christ Church (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Site of First Synagogue of Beth El Hebrew Congregation and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 28, 2008

2. Site of First Synagogue of Beth El Hebrew Congregation and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,065 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.