A historic home in Old Town Alexandria

What Makes a Home a Historical Home in Old Town Alexandria

February 1, 2025 | Inside Alexandria | By: The Goodhart Group

Old Town Alexandria is a treasure trove of American history. The charming cobblestone streets, early American architecture, and proximity to the Potomac River make it a captivating destination for anyone interested in the past. With homes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, many of these buildings are not just old — they’re officially recognized as historic. But what exactly makes a home “historical” in Old Town Alexandria?

In this blog, we’ll explore the specific qualifications and criteria that a home must meet to be considered a historic home in Old Town Alexandria, based on Virginia’s state guidelines for listing properties on the Virginia Landmarks Register (VLR) and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

These qualifications not only preserve Alexandria’s rich cultural heritage but also ensure that the architectural integrity and historical significance of the buildings are protected for future generations.

1. Age of the Property

The first—and often most obvious—qualification for a historic home in Old Town Alexandria is its age. For a property to be considered historically significant, it must typically be at least 50 years old. This is a standard guideline used by both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Homes in Old Town that date back to the 18th or 19th century—particularly those built in the late 1700s during Alexandria’s rise as a port town—meet this crucial age requirement.

However, age alone does not guarantee that a property will be deemed historic. The building must also retain a high degree of historical integrity and have some form of cultural, architectural, or historical significance that justifies its protection.


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2. Historical Significance

To be recognized as a historical home, the property must hold significance in one of several areas:

  • Events: The property must be associated with significant historical events or periods. For example, homes in Old Town Alexandria that were part of the city’s role as a prominent port during the colonial era, or that were connected to important Civil War events, may qualify. Homes that served as headquarters for military leaders, such as during the Civil War, would also have this kind of historical connection.
  • People: Another way a home can be considered historically significant is if it was associated with important figures in American history. In Alexandria, several homes were once the residences of key individuals such as George Washington, Robert E. Lee, or John Carlyle. Homes that housed influential local leaders, merchants, or military figures may qualify based on the people who lived there or visited.
  • Architecture: Some properties become historic because they embody the distinctive characteristics of a particular architectural style or represent an important building type. For example, many homes in Old Town Alexandria are representative of Colonial Revival, Federal, and Victorian styles, and these architectural features contribute to their significance.

In some cases, a home’s significance might be linked to multiple factors, such as its role in a historic district, its architectural style, and the notable figures who lived in it.


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3. Architectural Integrity

For a home in Old Town Alexandria to qualify as a historic property, it must retain a sufficient level of architectural integrity. This means that the home should still resemble its original design, with minimal alteration to its exterior and interior features. While some renovations or updates may be allowed, the home must maintain key architectural elements that reflect its historical character.

Specific architectural features that contribute to a home’s integrity include:

  • Exterior Materials: The original building materials, such as brick, wood, or stone, should still be evident. Many of the homes in Old Town Alexandria were built with locally sourced brick, which remains a distinctive feature of the neighborhood.
  • Windows and Doors: Historical homes often feature windows and doors that are characteristic of the time period, including sash windows, fanlights, and unique doorways.
  • Rooflines and Dormers: Roof styles (e.g., gable, hip, mansard) and the inclusion of dormer windows are also considered key indicators of a home’s integrity.
  • Interior Features: Original elements like moldings, fireplaces, woodwork, and flooring add to the home’s architectural integrity, especially when preserved in a way that reflects its historical context.

4. Association with a Historic District

In Alexandria, many homes are part of designated historic districts, which are often defined by a concentration of properties that share architectural or historical significance. Being located within such a district can elevate a home’s historical importance.

For example, Old Town Alexandria itself is a designated historic district and is home to numerous historically significant properties. Being part of a historic district means that a home contributes to the overall cultural and architectural identity of the area, and its preservation is important to maintaining the integrity of the district as a whole.

Homes within these districts are often subject to stricter regulations to preserve the historical character of the neighborhood. In Alexandria, local preservation laws and zoning ordinances help protect the aesthetic and historical integrity of the district, ensuring that any new construction or alterations adhere to specific guidelines that respect the historic fabric of the community.

Want to learn more about Old Town Alexandria? Read our neighborhood guide right here.

5. Criteria for the National Register of Historic Places

For a home in Old Town Alexandria to be officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), it must meet the following criteria as outlined by the National Park Service:

  • Criterion A: The property must be associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of history. This could include a home that was part of the city’s development as a port town or one that hosted significant figures or events in American history.
  • Criterion B: The property must be associated with the lives of significant persons in history. Homes of famous residents, such as George Washington, Robert E. Lee, or John Carlyle, could meet this criterion.
  • Criterion C: The property must embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or be a work of a master architect or builder. Many homes in Old Town Alexandria meet this criterion through their unique architectural styles, such as Federal, Greek Revival, or Victorian designs.
  • Criterion D: The property must have yielded, or may be likely to yield, important information in history or prehistory. While this is more commonly associated with archaeological sites, it can apply to buildings if they are expected to provide important historical or architectural data.

6. Preservation and Restoration Guidelines

Once a property is recognized as historically significant, whether on the local or national register, it is subject to preservation guidelines. These guidelines are designed to protect the building’s historical character while allowing for necessary repairs and updates. In Alexandria, homeowners of historic properties must often work with the city’s Historic Alexandria office and adhere to specific standards outlined by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR).

Restoration efforts may include using period-appropriate materials, ensuring that new construction doesn’t compromise the home’s original design, and maintaining key historical elements. In some cases, tax incentives or grants are available to encourage property owners to restore or rehabilitate their historic properties while maintaining their historic integrity.

7. The Role of the Virginia Landmarks Register

The Virginia Landmarks Register (VLR) is the official list of historically significant properties in the state. Homes in Old Town Alexandria that meet the qualifications for historical designation are typically listed in the VLR, which serves as the state’s version of the National Register of Historic Places. Being listed on the VLR or NRHP confers special protections, including eligibility for financial incentives like tax credits for restoration work and federal and state funding for preservation.

Conclusion: The Path to Historical Recognition

In Old Town Alexandria, a home is considered historic if it is more than just old; it must be culturally, architecturally, or historically significant. To qualify as a historic property, it needs to meet criteria such as age (at least 50 years old), historical associations (with people, events, or architectural trends), and architectural integrity. Homes in Alexandria that meet these standards are not only valuable pieces of history but also living reminders of the city’s enduring legacy.

For residents and property owners in Old Town Alexandria, the recognition of their homes as historical landmarks is a powerful way to preserve the city’s charm while honoring the past. By maintaining and restoring these homes, Alexandria ensures that its rich heritage is passed down to future generations, keeping its history alive in the heart of the modern city.

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