Occupied by Union forces on May 24, 1861, Alexandria became the Confederacy’s longest-occupied city. Strategically positioned across the Potomac River from Washington, it functioned as a massive Union supply depot, medical hub, and sanctuary for freedom seekers until the war’s end. With its port and rail connections, Alexandria was transformed into a major logistical center. Dozens of public buildings, churches, and private homes were commandeered to serve as military barracks, prisons, and hospitals. Spend two hours on a walking tour of Old Town Alexandria with Museum educators Kenna Howat Felix and John Maass to learn about the city’s Civil War past.
History Hike – Civil War Alexandria: A Walking Tour
