Gadsby's Tavern

In the early 20th century, as Alexandria's economy struggled despite efforts to build a strong industrial base, local interest in preserving historic buildings grew, inspired by restoration work in Williamsburg, Virginia. American Legion Post 24, seeking both a headquarters and a memorial to World War I soldiers, helped lead this effort by purchasing and restoring the buildings known as Gadsby's Tavern and opening them for public tours. That work helped spark broader efforts to protect, preserve, and promote Alexandria's heritage. In 1972, the Legion gave the buildings to the City of Alexandria, which restored them again and reopened them for the nation's bicentennial celebration in 1976, and they continue to serve the community as a place for learning and entertainment. The site also included an ice well created after the Alexandria Common Council gave John Wise permission in 1793 to build an icehouse beneath the corner of Royal and Cameron Streets as part of the City Tavern, later called Gadsby's Tavern. Connected to the tavern basement by a brick-walled, vaulted tunnel, the well stored ice used to chill drinks, preserve food, and make desserts such as ice cream. Later, tavern-keeper John Gadsby sold ice to the public for 8 cents per pound, as advertised in June 1805. Ice was cut from the frozen Potomac River in winter, hauled by cart, lowered through a hatch into the well, packed into a mound, and covered with straw so it would last through the summer.

Alexandria, Virginia · United States