Alexandria Canal Remains Found At Old Town North Redevelopment Site

ALEXANDRIA, VA — During redevelopment work in Old Town North, archaeological remains from the Alexandria Canal were found, according to Alexandria Archaeology.

Archaeologists found the remains of a lock and basin from the Alexandria Canal at 901 N. Pitt Street, where Carr Properties is redeveloping the Waterman Place office building into a mixed-use building with multifamily residential units. Excavations have revealed almost an entire length of the north wall, part of the south wall, and the lock and basin's floor. The remains were preserved under fill and previous development.

The Alexandria Canal opened in 1845, providing a route for trade and navigation from the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal in Georgetown. Historic maps confirmed a fourth lock and third basin of the Alexandria Canal were present in the 900 block of North Pitt Street. The locks at the south end of the canal raised and lowered boats by about 40 feet, according to the city. The canal was abandoned in 1886 when railroad transportation took over.

"The Alexandria Canal was a significant feature on the city’s landscape from the 1840s into the 20th century," said Eleanor Breen, city archaeologist. "To have the opportunity to excavate, study, and record the massive stone lock and basin walls and the wooden floor is exciting."

The Alexandria Archaeological Protection Code requires an archaeological monitoring plan with an archaeologist on site to monitor ground disturbances. Carr Properties had recruited professional archaeologists from Thunderbird Archeology on the plan.

"We appreciate Alexandria’s rich history and the importance of this archaeological discovery," said Alison Wertzler, vice president of design and construction at Carr Properties. "We are excited to share this piece of history with the public."

The city and Carr Properties will hold a public viewing one day only on Sunday, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Viewing will only be available from the sidewalk and not in the construction site. Attendees should meet at the Old Town North Farmers Market at N. Royal and Montgomery Streets. Alternate transportation is encouraged, as street parking will be limited.