A Guide to Historic Alexandria (History & Guide)

A Guide to Historic Alexandria explores Alexandria, Virginia’s remarkable story―one intertwined with the story of America.

From lands once traveled by Indigenous peoples to the surveying of its streets by a young George Washington, Alexandria has long been shaped by the Potomac River’s pull. As the nation grew, its proximity to the Federal City placed it at the center of political, economic, and social change from the American Revolution through the civil rights movement and beyond. Today, Alexandria’s neighborhoods reveal this history. From Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Old Town to Ben Brenman Pond in the West End, each neighborhood has important landmarks, big and small. Incorporating the newest research with historic and modern photographs, this updated edition reveals Alexandria’s evolution across centuries and celebrates a city whose past continues to shape the character of the Commonwealth and the nation.

Dr. Daniel Lee has served as the City Historian of Alexandria since 2013. He previously held a post-doctoral fellowship with the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office. He received his PhD in history from the University of California, Berkeley in 2009. He has an MA in History from the University of California, Berkeley, and a BA in Literature and German from Claremont McKenna College.

Dan writes a weekly column in the Alexandria Times, titled “Out of the Attic”, and has written numerous historical markers within Alexandria. He also has appeared on the WTOP News “Matt About Town” video series on “Obscure Monuments in the DC area.”

Michele Longo studied History and Historic Preservation at the University of Mary Washington and received her M.A.T. in Museum Education from The George Washington University. She has been with the Office of Historic Alexandria for over 15 years, focusing on education, interpretation, and visitor services, most recently as Director of Education and Museum Operations.

She has led the efforts of creating visitor-centered experiences across Historic Alexandria – from exhibit design to program creation. Michele is an active member of the American Alliance of State and Local History (AASLH) and is a past-chair of the Educators and Interpreters Committee.