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

Site of Alexandria's First Sugar Refinery

1804-1828

Photographed By Kevin Vincent, March 16, 2013

1. Site of Alexandria's First Sugar Refinery Marker

Inscription. The northern half of this block of Cameron Street, bounded by North Columbus Street on the east and North Alfred Street on the west, was the original site of the Moore-McLean Sugar Refinery. Within this half-acre lot was a five-story structure containing the refinery and the owner's original dwelling, a two-story frame house that fronted on North Alfred Street. Known as the Sugar House, it began operations in 1804. Lump and loaf sugar, molasses and candy were produced here from raw sugar imported from Cuba.

By 1810, Alexandria was ranked as the third largest producer of refined sugar in the U.S., exceeded only by Philadelphia and Baltimore. However, confronted in the mid-1820s by the rise of sugar production in Louisiana, and economic hard times in the Alexandria area, this refinery ceased its operations in 1828.

Erected to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Sugar House

Erected 2004 by Alexandria Archaeological Commission & Church Square Owners Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1804.

Location. 38° 48.377′ N, 77° 2.883′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Cameron

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Street and North Columbus Street, on the left when traveling west. 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. Philip Marsteller (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of the Honorary Pall-Bearers of General George Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Site of Immanuel Lutheran Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Lodge No. 38, Independent Order of Odd Fellows (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Confederate Soldiers (about 300 feet away); Christ Church (about 400 feet away); Methodist Protestant Church Site (about 400 feet away); Site of First Synagogue of Beth El Hebrew Congregation (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

Also see . . . Alexandria Archaeology webpage on Moore-McLean Sugar House (pdf file). (Submitted on July 26, 2013, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia.)

Photographed By Kevin Vincent, March 16, 2013

2. Site of Alexandria's First Sugar Refinery Marker

Sugar House Day Spa and Salon image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin Vincent, July 27, 2013

3. Sugar House Day Spa and Salon

This building at 111 N. Alfred Street now houses a hair salon that is presumably named after the original Sugar House that stood here.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2013, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. This page has been viewed 773 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 26, 2013, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. 3. submitted on July 28, 2013, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.