AlexandriaOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Colonial Port to Civil War Crossroads

Alexandria's story began in 1749, when Scottish merchants sought a deep-water port on the Potomac River for tobacco trade. They petitioned the Virginia General Assembly to establish a town at West's Hunting Creek Warehouse. The new settlement was named Alexandria in honor of the Alexander family, who owned much of the land. George Washington, then a 17-year-old surveyor, assisted in laying out the initial 60-acre grid of streets and lots.

By the late 18th century, Alexandria had grown into a port, with permanent structures, shops, taverns, and warehouses around its central Market Square. However, its prosperity faced challenges. In 1801, a significant portion of Alexandria was incorporated into the newly formed District of Columbia. The city suffered damage during the War of 1812. In 1846, Alexandria was retroceded to Virginia, returning to its original state.

The Union Occupation and its Legacy

Virginia's secession from the Union in 1861 altered Alexandria's fate. Within days of the secession vote, Union forces occupied the city on May 24, 1861, landing troops at the base of King Street. Alexandria became the longest-occupied Confederate city during the Civil War, serving as a logistical supply center for the Union army. Public buildings, including The Lyceum, and private residences, were converted into hospitals, military headquarters, and offices. Forts were constructed around Alexandria as part of Washington D.C.'s defenses. From 1863 to 1865, Alexandria served as the capital of the Restored Government of Virginia, representing the few counties under federal control. The war left Alexandria's economy in ruins, but the city itself was spared the widespread destruction seen in other Southern cities.

• —Carlyle House Historic Park — This 18th-century mansion and its gardens show the life of John Carlyle, a merchant and city founder.
• —St. Paul's Episcopal Church — Designed by Benjamin Latrobe, the second architect of the U.S. Capitol, this church was consecrated in 1818 and is an early example of Gothic Revival architecture in the United States.
• —The Lyceum – Alexandria's History Museum — This museum presents Alexandria's development from a colonial port to a modern city through its exhibitions and programs. The building itself is a historic piece of architecture.
• —Old Presbyterian Meeting House — This church, built in 1775, has a history tied to the American Revolution and early Alexandria. It served as a gathering place for patriots and is the burial site of many early Alexandrians, including a Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier.
• —Alexandria City Hall — The current building, designed by Adolph Cluss and completed in 1871, stands on a site that has been a market since 1749 and a courthouse since 1752. Its steeple is a reconstruction of one designed by Benjamin Latrobe for the 1817 city hall.
• —Market Square — This public square has hosted the oldest continuously operating farmers' market in the United States for over 260 years. George Washington sent produce from Mount Vernon to be sold here.
• —Waterfront Park / Potomac River — This area offers views of the Potomac River, public art installations, and walking paths. Seasonal activities like water taxis and sightseeing cruises operate from here.

The best times to visit Alexandria are late April through late May, and again from early September through late October. During these periods, temperatures are mild, typically around 70°F, and crowds are fewer. Spring brings cherry blossoms in late March and early April, and events like Historic Garden Week. Fall offers foliage, peaking mid-to-late October, and various festivals. Summers, especially July and August, can be hot and humid with temperatures often in the high 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. The heat can make extended outdoor exploration less comfortable. Winters, from December to March, are cold, with average lows around 30°F in January, and occasional snow. January and February are generally the least comfortable months.

Alexandria is five miles south of Washington, D.C., with access to Reagan National Airport (DCA), Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore International Airport (BWI). The city is connected by public transportation. You can get around Alexandria and into D.C. using the Metrorail and Metrobus systems. Alexandria has five Metrorail stations, including King Street-Old Town, which is adjacent to the Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) stations. The free King Street Trolley runs every two to three blocks from the King Street-Old Town Metrorail station to Alexandria City Hall/Market Square.

Walking is a way to experience Old Town's streets. For drivers, street and garage parking are available in Old Town, with reduced rates in the Courthouse Square Garage on evenings and weekends. Street meters are free on Sundays and state holidays. Alexandria has bike lanes and off-street trails, and is part of the Capital Bikeshare network.