Historic Destinations in Virginia
Alexandria, Virginia, is a historic city in the foothills of the Potomac River south of Washington, D.C. It is also known for its historic Old Town, with old brick sidewalks and beautifully preserved nineteenth-century buildings. King Street is lined by specialty stores and boutiques. A tour of Alexandria should begin at the Alexandria Museum. This museum is housed in a mansion that was once owned by Thomas Jefferson. The museum exhibits artifacts from the era when the United States became a country. A wide variety of artifacts and period furniture are on display. Mr. John Piedmont, a prominent French-American citizen, bought the house. The first room in the mansion was called Piedmont's Room. It was a sitting room; today it is a museum. The museum has a gift shop where visitors can purchase reproductions of historic furnishings. There is also a beautiful garden located near the museum. At the bottom of the stairs leading to Mr. Piedmont's Room is the National Portrait Galle...