Photo courtesy of City of Alexandria
Canal ornament
In the winter of 2025, archaeologists uncovered the partial remains of the Alexandria Canal’s Lock No. 4 at the 900 block of N. Pitt Street. The Office of Historic Alexandria’s 2025 holiday ornament depicts a canal boat exiting Lock No. 4 heading eastward toward the Potomac River. The canal’s turning basin in the background curves north toward the Aqueduct Bridge.
Canals increased access to inland trade and connection to the growing western frontier. The Alexandria Canal was in use from 1843 to 1886. The seven-mile canal connected the wharves of Alexandria to the C&O Canal in Georgetown via the Aqueduct Bridge that crossed the Potomac River. The canal was eventually replaced by railroads, which were cheaper, faster, and easier to maintain. The reconstructed Lock No. 1, or outlet lock, can be seen at Tide Lock Park. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/go/6983.
The American-made brass ornament honors Alexandria’s 19th century history and our modern-day efforts to preserve and record that history. The ornament can be purchased in Historic Alexandria museum stores and in the online store.
About the Office of Historic Alexandria
The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.
