The implementation of the Alexandria Archaeological Protection Code is providing an opportunity for archaeologists to explore the 18th and 19th–century history of the City as development along the waterfront continues. Passed by City Council in 1989, the code requires developers to hire archaeological consultants to conduct investigations prior to construction on land with the potential to contain buried sites of historical significance.
As waterfront development proceeds, Alexandria Archaeology will update this web page to provide photos and possible interpretations of the archaeological finds as they are unearthed on the waterfront projects. The excavations have the potential to elucidate many themes significant to the city’s history and to unearth evidence of early wharves and piers, derelict vessels, early industries, and commercial and domestic activities.
Excavations took place in 2015-2016 at the Hotel Indigo site at 220 S. Union Street. Ongoing work at Robinson Terminal South, at 2 Duke Street, began in 2017.
Press Release
City of Alexandria Provides Updates on Historic Ship Discoveries at Robinson Landing
For Immediate Release: October 30, 2018
"We're learning so much from this incredibly unique site, where more than 100,000 artifacts have been found," said City Archaeologist Eleanor Breen. "Right now, we are working on the largest, most intact discovery so far -- a wooden sailing vessel made with trunnels [wooden pegs] and iron fasteners that held the ship's timbers together."
Archaeology at Robinson Terminal South
2 Duke Street
Work continues at Robinson Terminal South, and archaeologists have located the remains of three 18th century ships, as well as foundations of Hooe's 18th century warehouse and store and the 19th century Pioneer Mill.
Point Lumley, Robert Townshend Hooe’s stone warehouse, and Thomas Fleming’s 18th-century shipyard are part of the site’s maritime and mercantile heritage. The Pioneer Mill and a series of 20th-century factories and warehouses are part of the site’s industrial heritage. Check back for more updates as work progresses.
Updates on the ongoing work at this site (April 2017 - June 2018)
Excavation Highlights
- Three 18th -Century Ships (press release, April 2018)
- Robert Townsend Hooe Warehouse and Store (field update, April 2017)
- Pioneer Mills (field update, November 2017)
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Extending the Shoreline: The Bulkhead Wharf (field update, June 2018)
Archaeology at the Hotel Indigo Site
220 N. Union Street
At this site, Archaeologists uncovered the remains of the hull of a fifty-foot vessel, as well as John Carlyle's 1755 public warehouse. Excavation took place in 2015-2016, and remains of this ship and warehouse are now undergoing conservation.
Updates on discoveries at this site (September 2015 - November 2017)
Excavation Highlights
- An 18th century ship and its conservation (December 2015 and November 2017)
- John Carlyle’s Public Warehouse (November 2015)
Save Our Ship Conservation Fund
The historic ship discovered on the Hotel Indigo Site in 2015 needs your help! Early Alexandrians sunk this vessel on the Potomac mudflats over 200 years ago. Archaeologists unearthed the ship, temporarily saving it from destruction. We need your help to ensure the preservation of the fragile wood timbers for future generations to study and appreciate.
- Please make a generous donation to the Save Our Ship Conservation Fund.
- See the latest on the The Alexandria Ship Project, from the Conservation Research Laboratory at Texas A&M.
- See a June 2017 news release, Alexandria's 18th Century Ship Sets Sail for Texas.