Photo courtesy of City of Alexandria
Eleanor Breen, acting City Archaeologist, gives tours Saturday of historic finds.
For just a few hours on Saturday, 18th-century Alexandria history was on display. An estimated 2,000 history buffs came out to look at a third 18th-century ship discovered at the site of a new riverfront townhome and condo development.
Saturday, Eleanor Breen, acting Alexandria City Archaeologist, gave tours from the sidewalk overlooking the site at the end of Wolfe Street. The public was invited to out the site by the City of Alexandria and home developer EYA LLC. The ships were covered before and after the viewing to protect the wood from exposure.
Archeological finds — including the three ships, estimated to be 250 years old, and 100,000 artifacts — have been recovered after 14 months of investigation and preservation at the site. Thunderbird Archaeology, the same company that unearthed a similar ship found during excavation and construction of Hotel Indigo in late 2015, discovered the artifacts at the EYA LLC site.
“Working in Alexandria for more than 20 years, we recognize and respect the rich history of the city and the importance of preserving discoveries of this kind,” said Evan Goldman, EYA LLC vice president of Acquisition and Development. “We’re committed to this unprecedented effort to protect the archeological history of Old Town. The results have gone well beyond what we expected, and we are thrilled by the significance of the findings and their unique ability to preserve the legacy of the city for years to come.”Breen said the discoveries are gaining international attention: “The combination of Revolutionary War-era ships, early building foundations and thousands of other artifacts makes Robinson Landing one of the most archaeologically significant sites in Virginia,” she said.
Archeologists discovered the remains of the third ship while clearing the site for construction of Robinson Landing’s underground parking garage. The ship fragments are believed to have been 30 to 50 feet in length and built in the mid 1700s. The remains, which include intact timbers and partial hulls, are being excavated and will be given to the City for future preservation.
The first move-ins are expected to begin at the Robinson Landing townhome and condo development this fall, according to the company. Construction is underway on the first three of the 26 townhomes.
The townhomes will feature rooftop terraces and two-car garages. The townhomes start at $1,695,000. The development will also include 70 condominiums. Some of the amenities include concierge service, fitness center, yoga studio, bicycle shop, pet grooming spa, garage parking, residents’ lounge and 24-hour onsite staff.
