Lovers of American history should not go through a lifetime without a visit to the cradles of democracy in the DC area. Alexandria, VA is a great starting point for exploring this historically rich region. Be sure to put these nearby historical attractions atop your itinerary.
1. Old Town
In the historic heart of the city, this charming community is packed with sites reminiscent of a bygone era. The King Street Mile is a brick and cobblestone-lined journey into time featuring architecture dating back centuries. If you want delicious eats with your walking tour of the past, visit the nation’s oldest farmer’s market or some of America’s longest-standing dining destinations.
Storied buildings in Old Town include a 1700s-era Georgian manor known as Carlyle House, the Civil Rights era Barrett Library, Christ Church (with several past presidential parishioners), America’s skinniest old house, a 19th-century apothecary, and a favorite haunt of former presidents, Gadsby’s Tavern. You can also visit an old torpedo factory made famous during World War II that now hosts art galleries and an archaeology museum brimming with historic artifacts.
2. Mount Vernon
This sprawling Fairfax County estate was the home of America’s first president, George Washington. It rests on the banks of the Potomac River and features a restored mansion originally built in Palladian style. Inside, the mansion has been remodeled to preserve the atmosphere from George and Martha Washington’s time in residency. A study, dining rooms, parlors, and more are furnished and maintained.
The grounds themselves also offer plenty of fascinating sites, including Colonial Revival gardens, Pioneer Farm, and a gristmill. Guided tours and an on-site museum enrich any visit to this famed landmark even more.
3. Fort Ward
This fort, which is about 90 percent preserved, defended the nation’s capital during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history: the Civil War. In addition to the fort itself and a restored Northwest Bastion, the 45 acres that contain this National Register of Historic Places site host a museum and routine Civil War and Revolutionary War reenactments.
4. National Mall
This Washington, D.C. park is a veritable tapestry of American history at every corner. If you’re interested in presidents, behold the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the FDR Memorial Park, and more. If you’re a politics buff, take a tour of the White House or the Capitol. And learn about the history of virtually any subject, from American history to natural history, at the country’s finest Smithsonian museums.
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5. Alexandria and Arlington National Cemeteries
Both these burial grounds hold the remains of soldiers killed in major American conflicts. The Alexandria National Cemetery was one of the first developed in America and contains 4,500 internments of mostly Union Army soldiers.
When this resting place filled to near capacity, Arlington Nation Cemetery opened. This National Register of Historic places locale is part of a historic district that also encompasses the Military Women’s Memorial, Arlington House, and Arlington Memorial Bridge
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