Trace American History at Alexandria’s Carlyle House

Updated on November 7, 2023 by Julie McCool

Alexandria's Carlyle House preserves an interesting portrait of American history, from the beginnings of our nation through the American Civil War. The historic mansion was home to wealthy Virginia merchant John Carlyle and is a beautiful example of Georgian residential architecture.

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Alexandria's Carlyle House Virginia
Alexandria's Carlyle House, Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

The first floor of Alexandria's Carlyle House depicts 18th century life during the years of the Carlyle family. Carlyle was a very successful and wealthy merchant, one of the founders of Alexandria, and friend to important Virginia statesmen including George Washington. The home is full of lovely architectural details and period furnishings.

Interior decor Alexandria's Carlyle House
Interior decor Alexandria's Carlyle House

Carlyle further established his importance when he married Sarah Fairfax, from one of the wealthiest families in Virginia. Sarah's elaborate wedding gown is on display.

Sarah Fairfax dress Alexandria's Carlyle House
Sarah Fairfax wedding gown Alexandria's Carlyle House

Upstairs, Who These Wounded Are: The Extraordinary Stories of the Mansion House Hospital explains the role of the mansion during the Civil War, with a focus on the stories of nurses, doctors, and the wounded. Fans of the PBS Civil War series Mercy Street learn the true stories behind the nurses and doctors depicted on tv (hint: they weren't quite as photogenic).

Hospital display Alexandria's Carlyle House
Hospital display Alexandria's Carlyle House
Civil War display Alexandria's Carlyle House
Civil War exhibit Alexandria's Carlyle House

While the hospital building viewers see on Mercy Street is gone now, photos and displays show how owner James Green built and expanded a hotel around the mansion. The hospital and Green's home were both commandeered by the Union Army during the Civil War. The hotel became the hospital depicted in Mercy Street, while doctors and high-ranking officers were housed in the mansion.

Both buildings had fallen into disrepair when NOVA Parks acquired the property in 1970. An extensive renovation, and the demolition of the hotel, returned Alexandria's Carlyle House to it's original grandeur. Today, visitors can take guided tours of the mansion and attend special events throughout the year.

Learn more about Carlyle House on the museum website. We also highly recommend a tour at the nearby Stadler Leadbetter Apothecary Museum while you are visiting Old Town Alexandria.

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Alexandria's Carlyle House preserves an interesting portrait of American history, from the beginnings of our nation through the American Civil War.

2 thoughts on “Trace American History at Alexandria’s Carlyle House”

  1. I know, we really miss Downton Abbey. We’re hoping Mercy Street hits its stride in season 2. It’s always fun to visit historic places depicted on tv and learn the real stories behind the show. Thanks for stopping by Ruth!

  2. This is a new historical home to me, it definitely looks like a tour to do next time we are near Alexandria. My boyfriend and I started watching Mercy Street; it did a good job at showing different view points of the medical system. Unfortunately, we have not kept up with the show. (Unlike Downton Abbey!!)

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