Photograph courtesy of City of Alexandria. Opened in the 1840s, the Alexandria Canal was used for less than 50 years and eventually was filled. Recently, archaeologists found–then relocated–a new portion. Here’s how. Investigate As required by law, developers of an apartment building called in archaeologists before they started construction. Based on the path of the canal seen in historical maps, they suspected remnants might be on the property, which had been the site of a 1980s office building. Excavate Using backhoes and excavators to dig through concrete and several feet of fill, then shovels to clear out debris, and finally trowels for more delicate work, archaeologists uncovered sandstone walls and a well-preserved wooden canal-lock floor (which, unfortunately, isn’t savable; it will be well documented before removal). Relocate The walls were dismantled with heavy equipment and the stones transported with a forklift. The stones will be temporarily stored at Montgomery Park and could be reused in a waterfront park. RelatedA Brief History of Accidental Archaeological Discoveries in Washington This article appears in the April 2025 issue of Washingtonian.The post Alexandria Construction Uncovers Part of a Historic Canal first appeared on Washingtonian. ...read more read less