Today we go to visit Old Town Alexandria.
We have to take the Metro. Here it comes!
Let's check the map to make sure we get off the right station.
Old town Alexandria was first settled in 1749, and is a historic district.
This is the city hall.
Across the street is the Gadsby's Tavern.
It was built around 1785, and is a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
What's so special about this place? George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were among its customers. President Andrew Jackson spent the first night of his presidency at the tavern; he sneaked out through a window of the White House because he didn't like the inaugural party, and walked to the Tavern!
In front of the city hall is the Market Square. It is believed to be one of the oldest continuously operating marketplace in the United States, (from 1753 until present day) and was once the site of the second-largest slave market in the U.S. Today they put a large fountain in the center. We released a BookCrossing book at the fountain. The book is called The Fountain! I can't say it's a pretty fountain but a fountain it is.
We walked to the Founders Park. The riverfront area was called West Point in the early 1700's, and was the first important European settlement along the waterfront, leading to the founding of the town Alexandria.
Behind us is the Potomac River.
We enjoy a lovely stroll along the river.
We stop by this tree. It is planted in memory of the daughter of one of host's friends. The 10-year-old girl Becky was killed when riding a bicycle.
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is so named because it was, no kidding, the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station during the wars! When the war ended, the building was eventually given to a group of artists to use as studio.
It may be hard to believe but we came across some other TVs by chance!! Their mommy is Swan. We take a group picture together.
