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 gets under way. 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.
Save Our Ship Conservation Fund
The historic ship discovered on Alexandria’s waterfront 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.
Archaeology at Robinson Terminal South
2 Duke Street
Work has begun at Robinson Terminal South, and archaeologists have located foundations of Hooe's 18th century warehouse and store.
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 . Archaeologists have uncovered a number of brick and stone foundations and related features. Check back for more updates as work progresses.
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 the ship and warehouse are now undergoing conservation.