Pair of Old Town tours highlight unique local history, from furniture to architecture

Two walking tours around Old Town this month will offer a look at some unique historical sites and local architecture.

Both events, featured in a newsletter from the Office of Historic Alexandria, start at the Carlyle House Historic Park (121 N Fairfax Street).

The first, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, will look at the evolution of architectural styles in Old Town.

“Alexandria has grown from a small town in the 18th century to a bustling small city in the 21st century,” the newsletter said. “Join us for a tour of Alexandria as we explore looking at the various Architecture styles that adorn the city streets and make it one of the best places to live and work.”

Tours are $20 per person with prior reservations required. It’s an hour-and-a-half tour held in either rain or shine, so guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes.

The second walking tour focuses on the “legacy of the Green cabinetmakers.”

The tour starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 and, like the architecture tour, tickets are $20 per person with prior registration required.

“In the early 19th Century, William Green started the Green Furniture factory in Alexandria and by 1823 his son, James, would take over,” the newsletter said. “James expanded his father’s factory and established himself as a prominent Alexandrian through building and operating Green’s Mansion House Hotel. Join us on a tour to learn about James Green and his family’s life here in Alexandria.”