Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Torpedo Factory Art Center
City of Alexandria, Virginia
— Dedicated April 30, 1983 —
Photographed By Don Morfe, September 14, 2016
1. Torpedo Factory Art Center Marker
The Torpedo Factory Art Center Building was formerly a munitions plant during World Wars I and II. In September, 1974, the Art Center opened in the Torpedo Factory as a Bicentennial project. The idea was conceived by Marian Van Landingham, a local artist, who became the Center’s first director. The Alexandria City Council approved the rehabilitation of this building for the continuing use by artists and the community.
Erected 1983 by City of Alexandria; Alexandria City Council, Charles E. Beatley, Jr,. Mayor; James P. Moran, Jr., Vice Mayor; Donald C. Casey, Lionel R. Hope, Margaret B. Inman, Carlyle C. Ring, Jr., Patricia S. Ticer, City Manager Douglas Haman, General Contractor Eugene Simpson & Brother, Incorporated; Architect Keyes, Condon and Florance Metcalf Associates; Engineering FDE Ltd.Structural Engineering Girard Engineering Ltd.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • War, World I • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, The City of Alexandria series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1974.
Location. 38° 48.297′ N, 77° 2.401′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town. Memorial is on North Union Street north of Fayette
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. United States Naval Torpedo Station (Building Two) (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Torpedo Factory Art Center (a few steps from this marker); The Civil War Comes to Alexandria (within shouting distance of this marker); Plundered! (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Town Alexandria (within shouting distance of this marker); Engin Artemel (within shouting distance of this marker); Alexandria Archaeology Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); John Fitzgerald (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Photographed By Don Morfe, September 14, 2016
2. Torpedo Factory Art Center Marker
Photographed By Don Morfe, September 14, 2016
3. Torpedo Factory Art Center
Photographed By Kevin W., October 30, 2016
4. Mark XIV Submarine Torpedo
Located inside, 1st floor, main hallway. A nearby placard provides some history behind it:
This Mark XIV (model 3A) submarine torpedo, serial number 64220, is one of the 9920 torpedoes manufactured at the Alexandria Naval Torpedo Station between 1939 and 1946. This torpedo, 21 feet long and 21 inches in diameter, once housed a quarter ton of explosives and had a range of 4500 yards at 46 knots. Developed between 1931 and 1933, the Mark XIV was faster and had a greater range than earlier models. The torpedo's bright green color enable easy sighting and recovery during test runs.
The City of Alexandria gratefully acknowledges the support of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association in facilitating the restoration of the torpedo and its return to the Torpedo Factory Art Center in 1983.
This Mark XIV (model 3A) submarine torpedo, serial number 64220, is one of the 9920 torpedoes manufactured at the Alexandria Naval Torpedo Station between 1939 and 1946. This torpedo, 21 feet long and 21 inches in diameter, once housed a quarter ton of explosives and had a range of 4500 yards at 46 knots. Developed between 1931 and 1933, the Mark XIV was faster and had a greater range than earlier models. The torpedo's bright green color enable easy sighting and recovery during test runs.
The City of Alexandria gratefully acknowledges the support of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association in facilitating the restoration of the torpedo and its return to the Torpedo Factory Art Center in 1983.
Photographed By Kevin W., October 30, 2016
5. Another torpedo just inside the waterfront entrance doors
While there is no placard identifying this type of torpedo, it is a US Navy Mark 13 Model 6 Torpedo. Deployed from aircraft and, after 1943, PT Boats, the Mark 13 torpedo was 13' 5" long with a diameter of 22' 4". The Mark 13 was also manufactured here at the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station during World War II.
Photographed By US Navy photograph, circa 1928
6. Aerial view of the United States Naval Torpedo Station
Building Two is in the foreground. Building One is behind it. Photograph is from the George L. Dant collection, US Navy History and Heritage Command.
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 556 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 23, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 30, 2016, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
