Monday, May 12, 2008

West End History  --  City of Alexandria, Virginia


  CIVIL  WAR  PERIOD

Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site

Fort Ward is the best preserved of the system of Union forts and batteries built to protect Washington, DC during the American Civil War (1861-1865).  Fort Ward Museum interprets the site's history and offers exhibits on Civil War topics, education and interpretive programs, tours, lecture and video series, bus tours, and living history activities throughout the year.

The Museum and Historic Site also interpret Alexandria, Virginia as an occupied city, the city's role as a vital Union Army crossroads, life within the Defenses of Washington, and the everyday life of Civil War soldiers and civilians.

Introduction Historic Fort Ward Fort Ward Museum Fort Tour Parts of Fort Fort Ward Map Defenses of Washington History & Background Medical Care For Civil War Soldier Black Soldiers of Civil War Building an Earthwork Fort

Discovering the Civil War Glossary of Military Terms Collections Collection Highlights Programs & Events Events Calendar Museum Tour & Exhibits Visitor Services Civil War Bus Tour Support Fort Ward Restoration & Preservation

Photograph courtsey Raymond Frederick, Jr.

Laundry day at "Volusia," a farm off Duke Street near Holmes Run, 1860's.

  MORE WEST END HISTORY to come

Kim Holien, a long-time resident of the West End and the Army Historian for Fort Myer, VA and Fort McNair, DC., will be contributing West End History content to this section. Mr. Holien grew up on Underwood Court and Taney Avenue and has been a resident of the West End; since the 1950's.

He has 25+ years experience in the field of history and during the past year worked extensively with the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee and the 3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard, Escort to the President).  He is the author of Battle at Ball's Bluff  and is the descendant of both Union and Confederate soldiers. His father was the Army M.D. for the White House.

Some future topics:

The Civil War in the West End of Alexandria

2005 marks the 140th Anniversary of the end of the Civil War. Come and hear about Camp California, Mosby's Rangers, Professor Thaddeus Lowe & his Observation Balloon and much more!

Wakefield Subdivision

Learn about the Chichester School, who lived where, the big warehouse fire, winter sled trains, and railroad detectives

The West End of Alexandria: The Rest of the Story

What is the connection between the Key Hotel and the US Army, the true history about Cameron Station, when Annandale & Bailey's Crossroads marked the border of civilization.

The Presidential Inaugurals, 1789 - 2005

Learn about the year that there were two inaugural parades, the year the President wanted them cancelled and much more. .

Spies, Sex & Scandal: the history you are not suppose to know .

Who was the high ranking Nazi official who secretly was kept here and secretly met with FDR, what about lover's lane, lost missile photos, hollow nickels and helicopter flights at Brookville.