9. Alexandria Joins The Party: Bike Tour of Alexandria Canal

Alexandria Joins The Party: How the Alexandria Canal enabled the City of Alexandria to enjoy the economic benefits of the Washington, DC system of canals

Tour description:

In the early 19th century, the City of Alexandria was a part of Washington, DC. Alexandrians knew of the then-existing Washington City Canal and the newly constructed Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal. They were very worried about being left out of the canal-driven boom in commerce, so they petitioned the US Congress for their own canal. The Alexandria Canal Company was chartered in 1830 and the Alexandria Canal began operations in 1843. As Alexandria joined the (canal) party, business began booming almost immediately. This 11-mile biking tour will tell the history of the Alexandria Canal, and explore its entire length from Alexandria, VA, to Georgetown in northwest Washington via the Alexandria Aqueduct Bridge.

Tour Guide: Tom Haser; Self-taught historian and National Park Service volunteer

Ward: 2

TOUR INFORMATION:

Tour Starting Location:

Virginia ABC

501 Montgomery St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Meet at the intersection of Montgomery Street and N Pitt Street in Old Town Alexandria. Bicycles can be rented at the Capital Bikeshare station right at the intersection.

· Closest Metro or Bus Line: Braddock Rd (blue/yellow line)

· Tour Ending Location: 1057 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, Washington D.C.

· Tour Length: 2 hours

· Tour Distance: 11 miles

· Fitness Level: Moderate level (brisk walking, uneven terrain)

· Audio Enhancer: No

· ASL: No

· Wheelchair Accessible: No

· Stroller Accessible: No

Host or Publisher Events DC