Alexandria’s Parker-Gray Neighborhood Applies for Historic Designation
February 2nd, 2008 Categories: Alexandria, Parker-Gray
The City of Alexandria announced that the Department of Planning and Zoning has begun the process of nominating the Uptown/Parker-Gray neighborhood to the National Register of Historic Places. A community meeting to discuss the National Register Process and findings of historic research will be held on Monday, February 4, 2008 from 7-9p.m. at the Jefferson-Houston School, 1501 Cameron Street.
Bordered on the north by First Street, on the south by Cameron, on the east by Columbus and on the west by Buchannon/Oronoco and parts of West Street, the area ultimately known as Parker-Gray was sparsely settled and and primarily rural throughout the Colonial, Federal and Antebellum periods. Few structures survive from those eras but one of the most interesting would have been Alexandria’s gun powder house, built in the 1790′s at what is today the corner of N. Fayette and Queen Streets. Deemed a potential fire hazard it was deliberately located at a safe distance from the many wooden structures built along the Potomac River.
Parker-Gray Homes
The largest historically black neighborhood in Alexandria, Parker-Gray was originally a haven for escaped slaves and freedman during and immediately after the Civil War. Wartime conditions in Alexandria were grim and families crowded into flimsy shanties and shacks. Few if any of these structures have survived and most of the historic buildings present today were built later in the 19th century.
Local Market
In past years, the more popular nickname for the Parker-Gray neighborhood was “Uptown” to distinguish it from the ”downtown” areas closer to the Potomac River. The official moniker comes from two schools whose names, in turn, honored leading black educators in the community: Sarah Gray, principal of Hallowell School for Girls and John Parker, principal of the Snowden School for Boys.
Alexandria built the first black high school in 1950at 1207 Madison Street, which was named Parker-Gray. Prior to this, young African-American’s who wanted to continue their education past the eighth grade were forced to go into the District of Columbia for high school.
Parker-Gray High School was re-designated as a middle school in 1965 and was closed completely in 1979. A memorial plaque designates the school’s former location among the townhouses now standing on Madison Street.
West Street
Thanks for stopping by,
Michael
Photograhs courtesy of MarieMcC
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You did a great job presenting the Parker Gray neighorhood. I love the colors of the houses.
Thanks Janis. One great thing about living in this area of Alexandria is that there are no “cookie cutter” houses – just lots of personality.
Michael
This is my first visit to your site, and I LOVE it. Great job, Michael. I was not familiar with the Uptown/Parker Gray area, but I’ll have to check it out the next time I’m in Alexandria.
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When will Parker-Gray be placed on the National Register? I send you this query in response to your article dated February 2, 2008. It is now March 9, 2009.
Thanks for your interest in the Parker Gray neighborhood of Alexandria. We have not heard anything further about the historic designation – often these things take quite a bit of time – but, thanks to your question, we’ll look into it.
ahhh. Parker Gray. I was one of a hand full of white kids that went to PG in 70 and 71. What wonderful memories. Of everyday terror. And then the riots started. Nice job of cleaning it up. It was a slum last time I was there.