Alexandria, Virginia - Walking Tour of Old Town

Gentry Row - The Athenaeum - Captain's Row

• Location - Along Prince Street, between South Fairfax Street and Union Street

Gentry Row - Walking along Prince Street's 200 block, known as Gentry Row, you will see house after house marked with Historic Alexandria Foundation plaques, indicating authenticated historical or architectural significance. Houses along this block were owned by such prominent figures as William Fairfax, one of Alexandria's founding trustees, and Dr. James Craik, surgeon-general during the American Revolution.

The Athenaeum - Sitting on the corner of Prince and Lee Streets is the Athenaeum. Dating back to 1851-52 and one of only two surviving examples of Greek revival neo-classic architecture open to the public, the Athenaeum was originally built to house the Bank of the Old Dominion, where many prominent people including Robert E. Lee conducted their banking. Today the Athenaeum, which is listed on both the Virginia Trust and National Register of Historic Places, is the home of the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association. Visit the Athenaeum Web Site for additional information.

Captain's Row - Along Prince Street, between Lee and Union Streets is the block known as Captain's Row, where many sea captains built Federal style houses. Complete with cobblestones and charming architectural details, this is probably one of the most picturesque colonial village blocks anywhere.

Walking Tour Directions to Next Stop: The Torpedo Factory Art Center - Continue down Prince Street and turn left, heading north, onto Union Street. Walk one and one-half blocks, crossing King Street to the block between King and Cameron Streets.