History Hike - Civil War Alexandria: A Walking Tour

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Created by Charles Magnus, courtesy of the Library of Congress

Bird's eye view of Alexandria, VA

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.

This walking tour will begin and end in Old Town Alexandria. Ability Level: moderate due to terrain. The tour will be over partly uneven brick and stone walkways.

John R. Maass is a historian and educator at the National Museum of the U.S. Army. He received a Ph.D. in early U.S. history from the Ohio State University. His most recent book is “The Battles of Spencer’s Ordinary and Green Spring, 1781” (2025).

Kenna Howat Felix is a Museum Educator at the National Museum of the U.S. Army. She received a master’s degree in history from George Mason University. She has over 12 years’ experience working in museums throughout the Washington, D.C. area.