George Washington Slept Here, and There, and Over There

Alexandria, VA – Most Alexandrians can’t get enough of George Washington. Alexandria can’t escape his hold on the city, and for good reason; he’s simply everywhere.

In the vernacular of Washington’s times, you can’t “swing a cat” (refers to the cat o’ nine tails) without hitting a place in town that has a tie to POTUS #1 – and there are scads of plaques to prove it.

Alexandria became “the happenin’ place” during Washington’s times. He frequently rode the 10 miles into town from his Mount Vernon estate for ‘provision’ shopping, and to pick up a few items for Martha after work.

George loved spending time his old Continental Army comrades, which attracted Dr. James Craik and Dr. Elisha C. Dick to settle in Old Town – Craik at 209 Prince Street and then 210 Duke Street, and Dick 211 Prince St.  These two surgeons served during the Revolution and were Washington’s attending physicians at Mount Vernon when he died in 1799.  There are plaques on their homes describing the occupants and their ties to their former Commander-in-Chief.

Washington was dedicated to education. If you blink you might miss Alexandria Academy on South Washington Street, between Wolfe and Wilkes Streets next door to the Little Theatre of Alexandria. Washington created and funded the school on Dec. 17, 1785, to educate orphan children and others.  He provided 50 Pounds annually to the school and in his Last Will and Testament left the school $4000 – a whopping sum for that day.

Washington liked a good time and was very fond of popping into several of the local Alexandria watering holes of the time at Wise’s Tavern (201 North Fairfax St), and the famous Gatsby’s Tavern (138 N Royal St.).  It was at Wise’s Tavern that Washington was first addressed as “Mister President” after his election while sitting at one of the tables enjoying an adult beverage or two. He enjoyed the companionship of his contemporaries at Gatsby’s Tavern and frequented it so much so that the establishment held his last two birthnight celebrations there in 1798 and 1799.

Considered the finest horseman in all the colonies he also loved to cut a rug, and was known for his moves on the dance floor.  During the fledgling days of the country, he was known to dance with the wives of the Founding Fathers while the husbands were plotting the course of a new country.  One might easily guess that he enjoyed many a night in Old Town as well and that might have led to a need for lodging.

Washington was very street-smart in today’s parlance and commonsense prevailed (not Tom Paine’s).  He was absolutely crazy about real estate. He and Martha owned huge tracts of land, some of which were local. Roughly 52,000 acres included land in what is now Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Kentucky, and the Ohio Valley. Close to home Washington owned lots in Winchester, what became Washington DC, and Alexandria. He owned many lots on Captain’s Row on Prince Street and sold to several of the town’s seafaring notables of his time.

He procured his “townhouse” at 508 Cameron St.,  now operated as a BnB. Although it is not the original structure which deteriorated and was torn-down, the property was reconstructed based on historic drawings, using existing historic materials.

Today’s accommodations would have amazed our first president.  The AirBnB website alone houses upwards of 270 lodging opportunities, complete with their own beds and indoor plumbing.

Washington would have also marveled at all the travel and tourism in present-day Alexandria.  The AirBnB business, however, would have totally confused him.  In his day many taverns and inns had rooms on the upper floors. This was very practical for travelers and for those who might have imbibed a tad too much that evening.  The taverns in his day served food and beverages. But the rooms above were sparse, the heat nearly nonexistent in winter, and sweltering in summer, with several occupants to one bed,

Gatsby’s and Wise’s today would likely be vying for that coveted five-star rating, but the price inflation would have staggered even the most affluent of A-listers.  And no innkeeper could ever imagine not meeting or speaking to a patron before they book.

Washington was a real people-person. If I had to put money on it, he was likely a guest in a lot of places around Old Town.

George got around.  And now you know why all those plaques.