How Alexandria History Tours Started

I love history. My lifelong passion for all things military history influenced my decision to join the Marine Corps. I served 10 years in the Marine Corps and was promoted to Major. After serving on active duty as a Marine, I started a job at an investment bank. The job was comfortable, and my career prospects were bright.

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But, at the end of the day, I felt that I was meant to be more than a banker. My favorite part of the Marine Corps was teaching classes on military history. I missed the experience of learning and teaching.    

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Moving to Old Town Alexandria re-kindled my love of history. Alexandria’s history is fascinating. As George Washington’s hometown, each block has an amazing story. These stories shed light on critical events in American history from the founding to today. I was hooked. Nights and weekends were spent in the local library. I stayed in the special archives section until it was time to pack up a pile of notes and head home.

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As my wife and I walked through Old Town, she said to me, “You know a lot of Alexandria history, maybe you should give tours.” Her suggestion immediately turned the wheels in my head. The seed was planted. Become a tour guide? Teach history again? 

As the idea continued to grow, I noticed visitors staring at historic places around Old Town. Occasionally, I would stop and talk to them. I told them stories that weren’t published in the visitors’ pamphlets or on the historical markers. It was fun. I could see they enjoyed having a local tell them more.

As the idea gained more steam, I knew that it was time to take a risk and try something new. So, I resigned from a comfortable career at the end of 2022. 

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Since the 1700s, veterans have been building small businesses in Alexandria. I am proud to be part of this tradition. Alexandria History Tours has a deep well of amazing stories. Most of them continue to impact our world today. My goal is to use the past to inspire people in the present.

Learning about America’s founding fathers challenged me to think about my own professional purpose. Their stories inspired me to take a big risk. I felt encouraged to become part of a rich cultural and commercial legacy that has served as the bedrock of the American republic. It was time to turn my passion for history, teaching, and interacting with people into an exciting new enterprise. It was time to create Alexandria History Tours.