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 Gallery, where one can view some of the more historically accurate portraits. Other exhibits are the Colonial War Museum and the National Museum of American History.

At the beginning of the tour of historic places, visit the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. The home of the second president of the United States is the centerpiece of the monument.

From the memorial you can tour the Washington Monument, which commemorates the birth of the nation and includes a historical garden, ponds, and waterfalls. The Washington Memorial stands near the Washington Monument, which was designed by architect Daniel Burnham. The garden was created by landscape gardener John James Audubon. An interesting spot for visitors to watch birds and butterflies.

At the end of your tour of historical architecture, visit the George Washington House. The original home of America's first president. You can walk through the house on a tour that takes you through many of the rooms, including the main entrance and the private library. The museum contains artifacts from the first presidency. A number of historical artifacts from both the Adams and Jefferson administrations are also displayed.

Visit the Alexandria Public Library to view historical artifacts in the Archives, where Alexander Hamilton is kept. A popular spot for children is the Alexandria Public Museum. The Alexandria Public Library features a wide array of historical books, magazines, and other reference materials.

From the Alexandria VA Museum and Gardens, take an evening stroll through the gorgeous park. A picnic spot, this park features a nature playground, with monkey bars, slides, swings, and climbing frames for children. The playground is open every day. During the summer months the garden is an attraction for visitors who enjoy the beauty of the flowers.

If you would like to explore the history of Alexandria VA, but do not want to leave the city, there are plenty of historic attractions to visit. The American Philosophical Society is located in the heart of the city, next to the U.S. Post Office. The Thomas Jefferson Museum, the oldest public museum in Virginia, is located on Broad Street.

If you are a history buff, the Alexandria VA Historic District offers a number of places to visit. There are museums that focus on the life of President John Adams and his contemporaries. Other historical landmarks are the John Randolph Coakley House, which was the home of Thomas Jefferson's first presidential campaign; and the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Campaign Headquarters.

There are historic buildings throughout the city that you could visit as well, including the George Washington National Historical Park, named for the first President. The Petersburg, Virginia, Historical and Genealogical Society is also on Broad Street, next to the Virginia Military Institute.

Traveling to the capital city of Virginia is not just about historical landmarks. Alexandria VA has many attractions for the entire family.