On the morning of Thursday, January 27, 1881, word spread through the city that grave robbers in Alexandria had struck in the night. The Alexandria Gazette reported that the news “created a profound sensation, it being the first time that such a bold attempt at ‘body snatching’ was ever made in Alexandria.” Two bodies had … Read more
The new Alexandria Historical Society digital museum is live — a free online collection of exhibits tracing our city’s story from its earliest days to the modern era — and I could not be prouder of what the Society has built. I was honored to join the panel at the launch celebration, and even more … Read more
Alexandria’s Revolutionary War patriots left a legacy that extended far beyond the battlefield—into the fire companies, civic institutions, and burial grounds that shaped the city they helped found. This article originally appeared in the May 2026 newsletter of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association (FVFEA). As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, … Read more
Born in 1851 in Alexandria, George W. Petty left an enduring mark on the city as a business owner, public servant, and firefighting hero. Though little is known about his early life, by 1876, Petty appears in the Alexandria City Directory as the proprietor of a saloon at the fish wharf, residing on Union Street near King. Over the next … Read more
George Whalen, the youngest firefighter in Alexandria’s history to die as a result of a fire, is remembered for his youthful courage, deep community ties, and ultimate sacrifice. His death left a lasting impact on the city and continues to resonate with generations of firefighters and residents. Every October, the Alexandria Fire Department holds a … Read more
The Alexandria Fire of 1855: A Night That Changed Alexandria Forever The Alexandria Fire of 1855 was one of the most devastating events in the city’s history. Fires were an ever-present threat in 19th-century Alexandria. With row houses built primarily from wood and warehouses stocked with highly flammable materials, the city was vulnerable to devastating … Read more
Updated October 2026: This post now includes Gilpin’s 1791 survey of the first lines of the federal district, his King Street lot on today’s Market Square block, and the role of enslaved labor in the Potomac Company, drawing on Greg A. Beaman’s 2026 Market Square study for Alexandria Archaeology and Gilpin’s correspondence with George Washington. … Read more
Introduction On August 1, 1803, Alexandria, Virginia—a thriving port city of 6,000 souls—faced one of the most devastating crises in its history. A yellow fever epidemic descended upon the town, leaving in its wake a trail of death, fear, and, ultimately, transformation. This tragic event would lead to the creation of the Wilkes Street Cemetery … Read more
A Scottish Upbringing Sets the Stage Born in 1731 in Kilbride, Scotland, Robert Adam was the eldest son of Rev. John Adam and Janet Campbell Adam. His father, a Doctor of Divinity, likely instilled in Robert a spirit of scholarship and civic duty that would guide his future actions. This solid Scottish upbringing planted the … Read more
Hugh C. Smith at Work Hugh Charles Smith was a notable figure in the business world. He and his family were involved in various enterprises, including a pottery manufactory, multiple foundries, and real estate investments. Hugh, along with his father and brother, managed the Wilkes Street Pottery from 1825 until 1841. In 1831, Hugh C. … Read more
Introduction Park Agnew, a name synonymous with Alexandria’s industrial growth and political dynamism, left an indelible mark on the city’s history. Born in 1847 as John Park Agnew, he became better known by his abbreviated moniker, Park Agnew. His life story is one of entrepreneurial success, civic leadership, and familial devotion. This article delves into … Read more
The Legacy of a Distinguished Lee: Edmund Jennings Lee I’s Impact on Law and Society. Early Life and Family Heritage Edmund Jennings Lee I, a beacon of legal prowess and civic dedication, emerged from the illustrious Lee family of Virginia. Born on May 20, 1772, his roots traced back to a lineage deeply entrenched in … Read more
William Bartleman’s life journey from his birthplace in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, to his multifaceted legacy in the United States is a story of resilience, community involvement, and unwavering commitment. A prominent figure in Alexandria, Virginia, Bartleman left a lasting mark as a merchant, Mason, and valiant veteran of the War of 1812. Let’s … Read more
Introduction The story of Robert W. Bell intertwines the threads of community involvement and entrepreneurial spirit in the 19th century. Born in 1809, Bell’s journey took him from the Isle of Ely, England, to the bustling town of Alexandria in 1832. Throughout his life, he left an indelible mark as a member of the Meeting … Read more
Preserving Legacy Amidst Abandonment: The Tale of Douglass Memorial Cemetery Established in 1895, Douglass Memorial Cemetery stands as a testament to the history and struggles of African Americans in the United States. Named in honor of the renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass, this cemetery holds stories that echo through time. However, the cemetery’s abandonment and its … Read more