Robert Portner, a German immigrant, opened his brewery during the Civil War (1861-1865). A successful businessman, Portner expanded his operation so that by 1895 the brewery extended over four blocks on either side of Pendleton Street between North St. Asaph and North Washington streets. Before construction of a new building on the 600 block of South Washington Street, archaeologists explored deep below today's ground surface. Although much of the brewery had been destroyed, some foundations and shafts were found. The report will contain an extensive history of brewing in Alexandria. Some of the Portner buildings were incorporated into new development nearby.