The Lost Firefighter: How Modern Technology Solved a 170-Year Mystery

August 2025 – Lost Alexandria firefighter from deadly 1855 fire finally found using ground-penetrating radar in historic Christ Church Episcopal Cemetery A Corner of Forgotten Heroes J. Carson Greene, who died heroically battling the deadly 1855 Dowell China Shop fire, has finally been located after 170 years through cutting-edge ground-penetrating radar technology. This extraordinary discovery … Read more

George Gilpin: Revolutionary Hero and Alexandria’s Unsung Architect

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

Winter Archaeology: New Discoveries and Collaborations Illuminate Historical Narratives

Introduction During the winter, outdoor walking tours face challenges due to weather conditions. Despite canceling several tours, historical research at the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex has continued. A team of volunteers has pursued the exploration of the site’s history, ensuring research progress continues. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Mark Ludlow’s Surveying Efforts A critical effort … Read more