Fitzgerald's Warehouse

Side view of Fitzgerald's Warehouse from the far side of Union Street. blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)

At the corner of Union and King Streets in Old Town Alexandria, just a short stroll from the waterfront, stands one of the city’s true historic treasures.

Fitzgerald’s Warehouse was built in 1765 by John Patterson and operated for a time as the Seaport Inn and Restaurant. In 1778, his widow Susanna deeded the warehouse to John Fitzgerald and his partner, Valentine Peers. Fitzgerald eventually bought out his partner and ran it as a solo operation.

Fitzgerald was heavily involved in civics in the city of Alexandria. Aside from being served as Town Councilman, Education Trustee, Collector of the Port of Alexandria, and Mayor of Alexandria.

He also succeeded George Washington in the role of President of the Patowmack Company, which spearheaded the construction of the Patowmack Canal, a five-part canal system designed to navigate around the falls in the Potomac River.

Fitzgerald had a very strong bond with George Washington in business, battle, and politics. He served as Washington’s aide-de-camp during the Revolutionary War, then served as Washington’s secretary while he was in office, and died in 1799, the same year Washington died.

Fitzgerald was highly regarded as a prosperous merchant and Revolutionary War Colonel, but there is a darker side to his legacy. At the time of his death, his probate inventory included 46 enslaved people, many of whom worked and resided on the waterfront. There are records showing that he freed his hostler and groom, Anthony Blew, prior to his death, but at least 30 of enslaved people from the Fitzgerald estate were sold at auction on the Market Square.

Nowadays, the former inn and warehouse is home to a local gift store and the nation’s most ubiquitous coffee chain. Upon entering the Starbucks, one is immediately transported to another time in history, as the sign for the Seaport Inn and Restaurant still hangs over a large stone hearth, and the surrounding masonry reflects a time long past. The back room features numerous historical photographs on the wall and is really worth a look!