Historic canal tour in Old Town North, Alexandria, features multiple pub visits, showcasing the area's rich history.
Discover the captivating history of Alexandria, Virginia, as you embark on a unique journey through the city's historic Alexandria Canal. On September 13, 2020, the North Old Town Independent Citizens Association (NOTICe) is hosting the "Canal Watering Holes: Alexandria Canal History and Pub Crawl".
The event, taking place from 1 to 4 p.m. in Old Town North, will guide participants through a series of local bars, each with its own intriguing connection to the canal's past. Some of the participating establishments include St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (529 Montgomery Street), Hank's Oyster Bar (818 N. St. Asaph Street), Royal Restaurant (730 N. St. Asaph Street), and MacMillan Spirit House (500 Montgomery Street).
The Alexandria Canal, completed in 1831, played a significant role in the city's development. Despite the construction of a 1980s office building, the masonry remains of Lock No. 4 and the third basin were anticipated to be preserved. Archaeological investigations have informed the design of Canal Center and its Tide Lock Park, which includes a partially rehabilitated and reconstructed lock.
In the late 1970s and 1980s, archaeologists uncovered a 90-foot section of the canal, including Lift Lock No. 1. In 2024-2025, the remains of Lock No. 4 and the third basin were discovered on the 900 Block of N Pitt Street, led by Dr. Emily Carter and her team from the University of Sydney Archaeology Department.
The canal's construction was a testament to the hard work of slave and forced labor, as reported by the Office of Historic Alexandria. Today, some canal stones that were removed during excavation in 1985 can be found in public areas throughout the city. A sample of the cut stones from Lock No. 4 were salvaged and stored in adjacent Montgomery Park for eventual re-use within a public waterfront park.
The "Canal Watering Holes" event is more than just a pub crawl; it's an opportunity to learn about the rich history of Alexandria. Tickets for the event cost $35 for individuals and $60 for couples. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in Alexandria's past while enjoying its vibrant present.
For those interested, a 3D model of the excavated Lock No. 4 and third basin is available for viewing. The remains of the north abutment of the aqueduct bridge are still visible on the Georgetown side of the Potomac River, offering a glimpse into the canal's storied past.
Join us on September 13 for a fascinating journey through Alexandria's history, one drink at a time!
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