- Can you recommend a book on Alexandria's history?
- I've seen plaques on many houses in Old Town. What's the significance of the plaques?
- I want to alter the appearance of my historic Old Town house. Do I need to get a special permit to do this? If yes, who would I speak to?
- I want to find a place to hold my daughter's wedding. Where can I find information on event rentals in Historic Alexandria?
- My ancestors were slaves. Is there any place in Alexandria where I can research my roots?
- Were any Civil War battles fought in or near Alexandria?
- What does the street name "Oronoco" mean?
- What does the word "Lyceum" mean?
- What's the best place to visit in Alexandria?
- Why are the Alexandria and the Washington, D.C. train stations both called Union Station?
- Who was the St. Asaph that St. Asaph Street is named for?
Q: Can you recommend a book on Alexandria's history?
A: A Guide to Historic Alexandria is the latest book on Alexandria’s history, produced by the City of Alexandria 250th Anniversary Commission. This 144-page lavishly illustrated book is published by Time Life and written by nationally recognized historian and local resident William Seale. This lasting memento of Alexandria's 250th Anniversary can be ordered from The Lyceum Museum Shop for $12.95 by calling 703/838-4994 or by mail order. The book is offered for sale in all Historic Alexandria museums, and at area book stores. The Museums offer a 10% discount to members of their Friends groups and to City employees. Visit the Museum Shops to see some of the other books and merchandise for sale.
Q: I've seen plaques on many houses in Old Town. What's the significance of the plaques?
A: The plaques were originated by the Historic Alexandria Foundation during the period of federal urban renewal programs when many historic buildings were demolished. By plaquing buildings, the Foundation made people aware that an irreplaceable part of our cultural heritage was in jeopardy. The advance of urban renewal was halted, but the plaquing program has continued. To apply for a plaque, contact the Historic Alexandria Foundation at 703-549-5811.
Q: I want to alter the appearance of my historic Old Town house. Do I need to get a special permit to do this? If yes, to whom should I speak?
A: Yes, you should get a permit. Contact the Board of Architectural Review at 703-838-4666 for information.
Q: I want to find a place to hold my daughter's wedding. Where can I find information on event rentals in Historic Alexandria?
A: Visit the Historic Alexandria Special Event Rental page for information.
Q: My ancestors were slaves. Is there any place in Alexandria where I can research my roots?
A: The Alexandria Black History Museum and Alexandria Archaeology keep research files on African-Americans in Alexandria. The Alexandria Library Special Collections section contains one of Virginia's finest collections of genealogical and historical material. The related sites page on this web site will point you toward other sites relating to Black History. The Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University is an excellent source for genealogical information.
Q: Were any Civil War battles fought in or near Alexandria?
A: Though no Civil War battles were fought in Alexandria, it was the place where the first Union officer, Col. Elmer Ellsworth, was killed. Battles fought near Alexandria include Bull Run/Manassas. For more information about the Civil War, visit the Fort Ward home page.
Q: What does the street name "Oronoco" mean?
A: "Oronoco" was a variety of tobacco. Casks of tobacco would be rolled to Alexandria's first tobacco warehouses which were at the foot of this street. Hence, the street was named after the business that took place there.
Q: What does the word "Lyceum" mean?
A: The original Lyceum was the grove in Athens where Aristotle taught. Since Aristotle's time the word has come to mean either a hall where public lectures or discussions are held, or an organization that presents public lectures, concerts and other cultural events. For information on Alexandria's Lyceum, go to our Lyceum home page.
Q: What's the best place to visit in Alexandria?
A: There are too many great places to pick a single "best" place, and individual tastes vary. Point your browser to the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association for expert help in discovering your own "best place."
Q: Why are the Alexandria and the Washington, D.C. train stations both called Union Station?
A: The name "Union Station" was given to train stations that occupied a site where two or more different lines came together. In the case of Alexandria's Union Station, this was the junction of the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O), the Southern Railroad and the Richmond, Frederick and Potomac (RF&P) Railroads.
Q: Who was the St. Asaph that St. Asaph Street is named for?
A: St. Asaph Street is named in honor of Dr. Jonathan Shipley (1712-1788) who served as the Anglican bishop of the St. Asaph's Cathedral in Wales from 1769-1788. Shipley was a friend and an ardent supporter of American independence. St. Asaph Street was laid out between 1774 and 1775.
