New York City architect Harvey Wiley Corbett, who later became famous for designing much of Rockefeller Center, was enlisted to create plans for the memorial and the groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 5, 1922.

A nationally designated historic district, Old Town Alexandria, is best experienced on foot. Century-old architecture, red brick sidewalks, and cobblestone streets gives this area quaint character and charm.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum consists of two buildings, a tavern built in 1785, and the City Tavern & Hotel built in 1792. This establishment was the center of Alexandria’s social, political and commercial life.

The Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden was constructed 1785 and is located in Old Town Alexandria. The house and its collections present a timeline of nineteenth and early twentieth century history and family life.

Just off bustling King Street, is Carlyle House, built by merchant John Carlyle between 1751 and 1753 in the Georgian-style. The house is architecturally unique as the only stone 18th century residence in Alexandria.