Ramsay House

In the heart of historic Alexandria's Old Town, the Ramsay House is named for one of Alexandria's most distinguished founders, William Ramsay, a Scottish merchant and esteemed friend of George Washington.

Ramsay, American Revolution Patriot

William Ramsay and his wife Anne had eight children and probably occupied the house only a short time before moving into a larger home. Like so many of Alexandria's founders, Ramsay was a hardworking, resourceful Scotsman who became very involved in trade and civic affairs. He served as town trustee, census taker, postmaster, member of the Committee of Safety and, according to tradition, Colonel of the Militia Regiment. He was highly respected by his fellow citizens and received many honors during his lifetime. Anne McCarty Ramsay was also a patriot and is reported to have been praised by Thomas Jefferson for having raised over $75,000 in funds to support the American Revolution. When Ramsay died in 1785, his close personal friend George Washington walked in his funeral.

Ramsay House Moved to This Site

According to restoration architects, portions of the house were constructed about 1724, nearly 24 years before the town of Alexandria was founded. Where it was originally built is not clear. Some researchers say it may have stood 30 miles down the Potomac River in the early Scottish settlement of Dumfries, Virginia, and later barged up the river to the new town of Alexandria. It is thought that both William Ramsay and John Carlyle, whose mansion is five doors from the Ramsay House, situated their homes facing the Potomac River so they could watch their trading vessels sail in and out of the harbor.

The gambrel roof design on the Ramsay House is rarely found today in the Alexandria region, but it is not unlike the roofs used between 1675 and 1725 on colonial homes in parts of Maryland, Delaware, New England and the Virginia Tidewater region. The original house contained only one room on each floor but was expanded to two rooms per floor before it was moved to its present site. Some major alterations were made during the late 18th century, including the addition of new siding, windows, mouldings and paneling. None of these early materials are visible today, except the old weatherboard facing the porch, because a fire in 1942 partially damaged the house. The high masonry foundations were exposed to view when King and Fairfax Streets were lowered to their present levels soon after the end of the revolution.

Once a Cigar Factory

During the 19th and 20th centuries, the house changed ownership many times and was used for various purposes including a tavern, grocery store, rooming house and cigar factory. After the 1942 fire, the City of Alexandria purchased the house and, with contributions from organizations and citizens, carefully restored it. It was dedicated on April 14, 1956, as an historic site marking the city's oldest house.

Now A Visitors Center

Today the Ramsay House is Alexandria's official visitors center. The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Brochures on Alexandria's historic attractions, special events, restaurants, accommodations, antique stores, art galleries and import specialty shops are provided by travel counselors. Free parking passes for out-of-city visitors are available for metered on-street space.

Alexandria Convention & Visitors Bureau
221 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3209
Office (703) 838-4200
TDD (703) 838-6494