Alexandria: American Revolution Guided Walking Tour

The Alexandria: American Revolution Guided Walking Tour is a fascinating exploration of the city’s pivotal role in the founding of the United States. Departing from the Visitor Center, the 1.5-hour tour covers the birthplace of the Revolution, sites where Patriots lived and worshipped, and Alexandria’s contributions to the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Bill of Rights. With highlights like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the location where the Marquis de Lafayette addressed citizens, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of a city that played a crucial part in the American struggle for independence.

Key Points

• The 1.5-hour walking tour explores Alexandria’s connection to the American Revolution, including the birthplace of the revolution and sites where Patriots lived and worshipped.
• Highlights include visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the location where Marquis de Lafayette addressed citizens in 1824, and multiple historic churches pre-dating the Revolutionary War.
• The tour covers iconic businesses and homes inhabited by Washington’s military family, providing a glimpse into the Revolutionary War era.
• The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a solemn monument honoring the bravery and dedication of unsung heroes who fought in the Revolution.
• The tour includes a visit to the church where Washington discussed taking up arms against British tyranny, and where the congregation unanimously voted to support the Patriot cause.

Tour Overview

The American Revolution Guided Walking Tour in Alexandria offers visitors a 1.5-hour exploration of the historic city’s connection to the American Revolution.

The tour departs from the Visitor Center at 221 King St and costs $30 per person.

Along the way, guests will discover the birthplace of the American Revolution, explore sites where Patriots lived and worshipped, and learn about Alexandria’s role in the Declaration of Independence and the US Bill of Rights.

Highlights include seeing where Washington declared his intention to fight British tyranny and visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution.

With a knowledgeable historian as the guide, this tour provides an engaging and informative look at Alexandria’s pivotal place in the birth of the nation.

Highlights of the Tour

Visitors on the American Revolution Guided Walking Tour in Alexandria can discover the birthplace of the American Revolution, where Patriots lived and worshipped, and learn about the city’s connection to the Declaration of Independence and the US Bill of Rights.

The tour highlights include:

1. Exploring the historic streets of Old Town Alexandria and visiting iconic businesses and homes where members of Washington’s military family worked and lived.

2. Touring the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution and seeing the location where the Marquis de Lafayette addressed the citizens of Alexandria in 1824.

3. Visiting multiple historic churches that pre-date the Revolutionary War and stopping at Washington’s church where he discussed taking up arms for American independence.

Historic Streets of Old Town

As visitors explore the historic streets of Old Town Alexandria, they’ll discover a wealth of iconic businesses and homes that were once inhabited by members of Washington’s military family. These cobblestone streets transport travelers back in time, where they can picture the Revolutionary War patriots traversing the same walkways. Along the way, guests will stumble upon multiple historic churches that pre-date the war, underscoring Alexandria’s deep ties to the American Revolution. To enhance the experience, the tour guide highlights key points of interest through an informative table:

Site	Historical Significance
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier	Honors those who fought in the Revolution
Lafayette’s Address	Marquis de Lafayette addressed citizens here in 1824
Washington’s Church	Where he discussed taking up arms for independence

Homes and Businesses of Washington’s Family

Along the historic streets of Old Town Alexandria, guests can discover the homes and businesses once inhabited by members of George Washington’s military family. These sites, which dot the cobblestone landscape, offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the Revolutionary War’s most prominent figures. From the homes where Washington’s associates resided to the shops they frequented, the tour guides skillfully bring this pivotal era to life.

The tour highlights three key stops:

1. The home of Dr. James Craik, Washington’s personal physician and confidant, who attended to the General during the war.

2. The apothecary shop where Washington’s secretary, David Humphreys, once worked.

3. The tavern where the Marquis de Lafayette addressed the citizens of Alexandria in 1824.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

One of the tour’s highlights takes visitors to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution, a solemn monument honoring those who fought and died for the nation’s independence.

The guide explains the tomb’s significance, noting it was erected to commemorate the sacrifices made by anonymous patriots during the Revolutionary War.

Visitors can reflect on the immense bravery and dedication of these unnamed heroes, whose courageous actions helped secure America’s freedom.

The guide shares poignant details about the tomb’s design and the reverent ceremonies held there, providing attendees with a deeper appreciation for the profound impact of the American Revolution.

This poignant stop on the tour offers a moving tribute to the unsung champions of the fight for liberty.

The Marquis De Lafayette’s Address

After honoring the sacrifices of the unknown patriots at the Tomb, the tour guide leads visitors to the location where the Marquis de Lafayette addressed the citizens of Alexandria in 1824.

Lafayette, a French military officer who served alongside George Washington during the Revolutionary War, returned to the United States decades later to a hero’s welcome.

The guide explains how the Marquis delivered an inspiring speech to the gathered Alexandrians, rallying them with his firsthand accounts of the fight for American independence.

As the guide recounts Lafayette’s words, the audience can almost feel:

1. The pride and gratitude in his voice
2. The passion and conviction in his delivery
3. The enduring bonds of friendship between France and the United States

Historic Churches Before the Revolution

The tour’s historic church visits trace Alexandria’s deep religious roots predating the Revolutionary War, providing insights into the community’s spiritual foundations. Guests explore multiple churches from the colonial era, marveling at their time-honored architecture and learning about the influential parishioners who worshipped within their halls. For example, Christ Church, founded in 1773, is known for its Georgian design and as the congregation where George Washington regularly attended services. The tour also visits other historic churches, each with their own unique stories and connections to the Revolutionary era, as outlined in the table below.

Church	Year Founded	Notable Parishioners
Christ Church	1773	George Washington
Fairfax Parish	1765	George Mason
Presbyterian Church	1772	Alexander Hamilton
St. Paul’s Episcopal	1765	John Fitzgerald
Quaker Meeting House	1752	Martha Washington

Washington’s Church and Independence

During the tour, guests visit the church where George Washington discussed taking up arms for American independence. This historic church, known as Washington’s church, played a pivotal role in the local community’s transformation from loyal subjects to revolutionary patriots.

As the guide shares details about this hallowed ground, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by the residents of Alexandria. The tour highlights three key moments that unfolded within these walls:

1. Washington’s impassioned call to arms against British tyranny.

2. The congregation’s unanimous vote to support the Patriot cause.

3. The church’s role as a meeting place for Revolutionary War strategy sessions.

This stop on the tour provides a moving connection to the birth of the nation and the courageous individuals who fought for American freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This gives customers flexibility to change their plans without penalty if needed.

Are Audio Devices or Headphones Provided During the Tour?

Audio devices or headphones aren’t provided during the tour. Participants must rely on the knowledgeable guide to hear and learn about the historical sites and information presented throughout the 1.5-hour walking experience.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. However, visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and not disrupt the tour or other participants. Check with the tour guide for any specific photography guidelines or restrictions.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for the tour. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather, as the tour takes place outdoors. Casual, weather-appropriate attire is recommended to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. Tour operators offer private group tours that allow customers to personalize the itinerary and explore the historic sites at their own pace.

Recap

The Alexandria: American Revolution Guided Walking Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the city’s pivotal role in the American Revolution.

Visitors will discover the birthplace of the Revolution, visit historic sites, and learn about the influential figures who shaped this pivotal era.

With its informative highlights and immersive experience, the tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Alexandria’s revolutionary past.