The Carlyle House explore the life and times of pre-Revolutionary Alexandria through special events, exhibits and lectures.
It was completed in 1753 by British merchant John Carlyle for his bride, Sarah Fairfax of Belvoir, member of one of the most prestigious families in colonial Virginia.
Their home quickly became a center of social and political life in Alexandria and gained a foothold in history when British General Braddock made the mansion his headquarters in 1755.
Braddock summoned five colonial governors to meet there to plan the early campaigns of the French and Indian War.
Each Halloween it re-creates the mourning practices of that era.
Participants will visit the candlelit Carlyle House to view John Carlyle’s coffin and pay respects to surviving family members.
Afterwards, participants join the funeral procession as the pallbearers carry the coffin from Carlyle House and proceed south on Fairfax Street to the Old Presbyterian Meeting House Cemetery. A short, 18th-century graveside service will be held by lantern-light at John Carlyle’s grave.
121 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA
703-549-2997