Alexandria, Virginia - Walking Tour of Old Town

George Washington's Townhouse

• Location - 508 Cameron Street between North Pitt and North St. Asaph Streets
  
• Private - No entry: view from street only

This house is a recreation of the in-town dwelling, originally built by George Washington in 1769. Washington built the modest house in Alexandria to have a place to stay when he was not able to go home to his Mount Vernon estate because of inclement weather or pressing business.

Walking Tour - Continue on Cameron Street to the next cross street, which is North St. Asaph Street and turn right (heading north). Stay on North St. Asaph Street, crossing Queen Street and Princess Street until you reach Oronoco Street. Turn left onto Oronoco Street (heading west).

Robert E. Lee's Boyhood Home

• Location - 607 Oronoco Street on the north side of the street
  
• Private - No entry: view from street only

The Robert E. Lee Boyhood Home was originally built circa 1795 for John Potts, Jr., the first secretary of the Potomac Navigation Company, a scheme of George Washington's to link the ports of the Potomac River to the western territories. It is an impressive example of Federal architecture in Alexandria.

The young family of General Henry Light Horse Harry Lee occupied the house for nine years in the early 19th century. Lee's son, Robert E. Lee who later became the leader of the Confederate States of America, prepared for his entrance to the United States Military Academy while living in this house. Today the house is privately owned, however for many years it was a historic house museum operated by the Lee Jackson Foundation.

Walking Tour Directions to Next Stop: Lee-Fendall House - Continue on Oronoco Street in the same direction (west) to the end of the block at North Washington Street.