One of the surveyors involved in this work was future United States President George Washington.

The city grew to become a major seaport serving much of northern Virginia, and its streets were lined with Federal style townhouses.

The city remained a major port, dealing principally in grain and tobacco, until the American Civil War.

Elements of its historic importance as a port continues in the survival of several waterfront warehouses from that period.

[5] Other National Historic Landmarks within the district include: Other National Register-listed properties within the district include: The district boundaries, as defined by the National Register and the Virginia Landmarks Register, are the Potomac River to the east, Queen Street to the north, Jones Point and the Capital Beltway to the south, and Alfred Street to the west.