The Grounds

The grounds

The grounds originally consisted of the half block bounded by Oronoco, St. Asaph and Pendleton Streets. The garden was used for growing food and was not primarily ornamental as you see it now. Chickens probably ran in the area. There were wells, a carriage house, the "necessary" and other dependencies. Archaeological digs in 1990 revealed what are believed to be the foundations of Mr. Fitzhugh's office and the carriage house. By the 1850s part of the lot had been sold and is now occupied by the buildings beyond the fence. The gazebo to the center rear of the picture is a 20th century structure, it housed the track attendant of the Washington Street Railway whose Alexandria line terminus was at St. Asaph and Oronoco.

The young raintree at the center of the picture was planted on November 5, 1999 by Alexandria Girl Scout Troop 9158. The tree is in memory of long-time docent, Molly Monaghan, whose granddaughter was a member of the troop. Obviously they and the recent contributors of the entry hall floor coverings and other artifacts had no indication that the Boyhood Home would not remain in the public domain.

On this page, as in all the others, I am indebted to predecessor staff and docents and in particular to the authors of the Docents Guide for the facts and presentation. Any misinterpretations are solely mine.

Those taking the non-frames tour may view Mrs. Lee's Magnolia by clicking here.