Skip to main content
You're logged in with MyAlex  |  Logout

City of Alexandria, VA

Search results cleared

  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective servers:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
    Close Menu
  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
    Close Menu
  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
    Close Menu
  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
    Close Menu
  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City Academies
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
    Close Menu
  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Curb Extension at W. Reed Ave. and Edison St. Project - Phase I
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
      • Polk Ave. Sidewalk Project
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
    Close Menu
  • Calendar

    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

    Close Menu
  • I want to…

    Use these shortcuts to perform some of the most common tasks on our site.

    • Apply
      • Building & Construction Permits
      • Business Licenses
      • City Government Jobs
      • Facility & Park Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Vehicle Registration
    • Pay
      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Parking Ticket
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Sales Tax
    • Report
      • Potholes
      • Street Light Outage
      • Tree Problem
      • Power Outage (Dominion Energy)
      • Water Main Break (Virginia American Water)
      • Natural Gas Problem (Washington Gas)
      • Cable TV/Internet Problem (Comcast)
      • Wired Telephone Problem (Verizon)
      • Discrimination Complaints
    • Request
      • Park Maintenance
      • Trash/Recycling Container
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
      • Public Records (FOIA)
      • Trip Planning Assistance
    Close Menu

Alexandria Heritage Trail

Explore Alexandria’s archaeology and history on a unique 23-mile urban trail, and see the signs installed throughout the city.
Page updated on April 28, 2022 at 3:11 PM

Historic Alexandria

  • What's New
    • This Week in Historic Alexandria
  • Historic Alexandria
    • Historic Alexandria Administration
    • Archives & Records Center
    • Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria
  • City Museums
    • Alexandria Archaeology Museum
    • Alexandria Black History Museum
    • Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
    • Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
    • Freedom House Museum
    • Friendship Firehouse Museum
    • Gadsby's Tavern Museum
    • Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
  • Plan your Visit
    • Group Visits
    • Visit City Museums
    • Visit Other Historic Sites
      • African American Heritage Park
      • Alexandria Union Station
      • Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial
      • Lloyd House
      • Murray-Dick-Fawcett House
    • More Historic Attractions in Alexandria
    • Self-Guided Tours
    • Visit Alexandria
  • The History of Alexandria
    • Conducting Your Own Historic Research
    • African American History
    • Immigrant Alexandria: Past, Present and Future
    • Women's History
    • Discovering the Decades
    • Historic Alexandria Quarterly
    • Oral History Program
    • Out of the Attic
  • Alexandria Archaeology
  • Alexandria Community Remembrance Project
  • Educational Resources
    • Watch Lectures Online
    • Winter in Alexandria Activity Portal
  • Historic Preservation
  • Museum Store
  • News Releases
  • Rentals and Private Events
  • Stay Connected
  • Support Historic Alexandria
    • Donate
    • Become a Member
    • Join a Commission
    • Volunteer

Share

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook
GoogleTranslate
Google Translate
WARNING: You have chosen to translate this page using an automated translation system. This translation has not been reviewed by the City of Alexandria and may contain errors.

About the Alexandria Heritage Trail

The Alexandria Heritage Trail, covering 23-miles, has been designated as a part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. Through five geographic regions, the varied segments of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail are a means to explore the origins and continuing evolution of the Nation. To date, 830 miles of existing and planned trails have been recognized as segments of the Trail network.

The Alexandria Heritage Trail continues to grow, with new signs added each year.

New markers are in the news. Alexandria residents continue to preserve African American history, new markers added. WJLA, December 6, 2021. See the new marker on the Domestic Slave Trade, below.

Heritage Trail Maps and Guidebook

Walk and Bike the Alexandria Heritage Trail book cover

Alexandria Heritage Trail Map: Print an 11x17 map of the full Alexandria Heritage Trail.

Old Town Map: Print an 11x17 map of the Old Town section of the Heritage Trail.

Alexandria Heritage Trail guidebook: Take this 80-page illustrated guidebook with you on your journey. Walk and Bike the Alexandria Heritage Trail: a Guide to Exploring a Virginia Town’s Hidden Past, by City Archaeologist Pamela J. Cressey, contains maps of each trail segment and historical and archaeological information about 110 locations on the Heritage Trail. This book is out of print, but is still be available from online resellers.

Heritage Trail Signs

Historical markers are being placed a number of locations in the City of Alexandria, on the Alexandria Heritage Trail and beyond. See below for special groups of signs at Jones Point, Fort Ward Park, Chinquapin Park, Del Ray and more.

  • Timeline of Alexandria History (City Dock behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center, in the shopping arcade on the south end toward King Street) 
  • Alexandria Library Sit-In (711 Queen Street, outside of Barrett Library)
  • The Baggett and Hellmuth Slaughterhouse (1501 Cameron Street)
  • The Berg (600 block N. Royal Street)
    • Origins of "The Berg"
    • Life in "The Berg"
    • Next Door Neighbors
  • Cameron Valley (Meridian at Eisenhower Apartments - 2351 Eisenhower Ave)
  • Carver Nursery School/Post 129 (224 N. Fayette Street)
  • The Domestic Slave Trade (Waterfront Park, east of The Strand and south of King Street)
  • 1323 Duke Street -- From Slavery to Freedom and Service (1323 Duke Street) 
  • The Edmonson Sisters (1707 Duke Street, in front of the Bruin Slave Pen building)
  • The First Parker-Gray School (901 Wythe Street, in front of Charles-Houston Recreation Center)
  • Foot of King Street (Waterfront Park)
  • Industrialization on the Strand (211 Strand, Watermark Condominiums)
  • Ramsey Homes (North Patrick Street between Pendleton and Wythe Streets)
  • Ramsey Homes Civil War & Archaeology of the Block (North Patrick Street between Pendleton and Wythe Streets)
  • The Student-Athletes of Parker-Gray High School  (900-block Madison Street, behind Charles-Houston Recreation Center)

  • Suffragists and a Courtroom Decision in Alexandria (SW corner of Prince & St. Asaph streets) 

  • Waterfront Archaeology (211 Strand, Watermark Condominiums)
  • The West End (in the African American Heritage Park, Duke Street and Holland Lane)
  • Wilkes Street Tunnel  (on the path to the tunnel on Wilkes Street, at the entrance to the tunnel near S. Lee Street)
  • Windmill Hill  (at entrance to park on S. Union Street, between Wolfe and Gibbon Street)
  • Hoof's Run Bridge (in the African American Heritage Park, Duke Street and Holland Lane)

More Heritage Trail Signs

Fort Ward Park Trail Signs

Six signs tell the story of a post-Civil War African American community. (4301 West Braddock Road)

  • From Civil War to Civil Rights. A timeline of the African American community, "The Fort," established here from after the Civil War and continuing into the Civil Rights Era of the 1960s.
  • African Americans and the Civil War. Fleeing, fighting and working for freedom.
  • Within Its Walls -- A Foundation for Education and Opportunity. The community's children were educated in the one-room "Colored School Building at Seminary, and later at the Seminary School for African Americans.
  • The Oakland Baptist Church. Several members of The Fort were founders of the Oakland Baptist Church.
  • The Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery. Originally a small family cemetery, the land was conveyed to the Oakland Baptist Church in 1939.
  • The Jackson Cemetery. In 1884, James F. Jackson purchased the largest parcel in The Fort. The Jacksons later established a cemetery on part of the land. 

Chinquapin Park Trail Signs

Chinquapin Village was built for workers at the Torpedo Factory. (3210 King Street)

  • The Story of Chinquapin
  • A World War II Village
  • Fun in the Forest
  • Life of a Creek
  • A Chinquapin House
  • Mills and Molasses

Del Ray and the Town of Potomac Trail Signs

Eight Trail Signs were installed in 2008, on the 100th anniversary of this early streetcar suburb. 

  • The Town of Potomac (Mount Vernon Avenue)
  • Mount Vernon Avenue (Farmer’s Market, East Oxford & Mount Vernon avenues)
  • The Electric Railway (Mount Vernon Community School, 2601 Commonwealth Avenue, on the west side)
  • Schools in the Town of Potomac (Mount Vernon Community School, 2601 Commonwealth Avenue, on the Mount Vernon Avenue side
  • St. Asaph Racetrack (Charles Hill Park, East Oxford & DeWitt avenues)
  • The Bluemont Line (Mount Jefferson Park, 200 block of East Raymond Avenue)

  • The Alexandria Almshouse (Simpson Stadium Park, 426 East Monroe Avenue)
  • Potomac Town Hall and Firehouse (Fire Station 202, 213 East Windsor Avenue)

Potomac Yard Park Trail Signs

Seven signs tell the history of this area, once the largest rail switching yard on the east coast. (2501 Potomac Avenue)

  • Virginia's First Highways. Native Americans in the area of Potomac Yard.
  • The Alexanders and Agriculture. The first European land owners.
  • Building Potomac Yard. The Yard opened in 1906.
  • The People of Potomac Yard. As many as 1,500 employees worked at Potomac Yard.
  • Crossroads of Transportation. Roads, passenger rail and the Canal also crossed through the Yard.
  • The Rail Yard Hump. The Hump played a crucial role in switching and classifying the freight cars.
  • Potomac Yard in Transition. The Yard closed in 1982, and is the site of ongoing development of homes and businesses along Route 1 in Alexandria and Arlington.

Star-spangled Banner Trail Signs

Three signs are located in Alexandria as part of the Star-Spangled Banner Trail, developed by the National Park Service, commemorate the War of 1812. 

  • "Raise the White Flag" (Waterfront Park, 1a Prince Street) 
  • "Plundered" (Torpedo Factory arcade, 101 N. Union Street, near the Timeline) 
  • "Fighting Back" (Base of Shuter's Hill, across from the Callahan Drive crosswalk) 

Jones Point, Ford's Landing, and Keith's Wharf Trail Signs

Most of these signs are not currently available as PDFs. Please pay them a visit.

  • Jones Point: Visit 17 historic markers placed at Jones Point Park by the National Park Service. The Park is at 1 Jones Point Drive (walking access from the north end of Royal Street)
  • Ford's Landing: Look for a series of historic signs on the waterfront walkway at Ford's Landing, at the east end of Franklin Street.
  • Keith's Wharf: Historic signs mark the site of Keith's Wharf between Powhatan Park and Jones Point Park.

Wayfinding Signs and Self-Guided Tours

Wayfinding Signs can be found on and around King Street, from the Masonic Temple on Shuter's Hill to the waterfront. They are best explored on foot, or you can see the panels online.

Finding Historic Locations Through Wayfinding
 

Explore Historic Alexandria with self-guided tours. Walk or bike with the guidance of brochures, maps and cue-sheets, cell tours, podcasts or apps.

Self-Guided Tours of Historic Alexandria

 

  • Historic Alexandria
  • Historic Sites
Contact Us
Alex311 | 703.746.4311
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Visitor Information

VisitAlexandriaVA.com

  • Emergency Hotlines
  • Social Media
  • Privacy & Legal
  • FOIA Requests
  • Departments
  • Jobs
  • Payments

Alexandria City Hall
301 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

City of Alexandria Seal
© 1995–2021 City of Alexandria, VA and others
Hold on, redirecting...