African American History Tour: Explore Alexandria

The Manumission Tour Company specializes in organizing tailored tours that emphasize the rich African American History of Alexandria. This firm, established by a fourth-generation resident of Alexandria, provides guided strolling tours during the weekends.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Gadsby’s Tavern Museum - Discuss the lives and duties of the enslaved that worked at Gadsby’s Tavern
  • Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum - Discuss the abolitionist work of Edward Stabler
  • Alexandria City Hall & Market Square - Discuss the history of slavery on the Market Square site
What's Included
  • Guided tour with an English-speaking guide.
What's Not Included
  • Entry into Historic Alexandria Museums
Location
717 Queen St
Queen Street
We meet in front of the Barrett Library
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(147 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Compass47516195023
Apr 6, 2025
Alexandria Black History Walking Tour - Pamela was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable. Very interesting and informative tour - I learned a lot and would recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area. Be sure to book at least 1-2 days in advance.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yandsl
Apr 2, 2025
Best guided tour I have ever taken. - I travelled from Ireland to take this tour. My guide, Pamela Neal, has an encyclopaedic knowledge of Alexandria history and the people and places involved in the struggles of enslaved people and those who worked for emancipation and struggled for freedom. I had some knowledge of slavery and the issues in USA but had so many questions answered by Pamela. I learned so much. Take this tour and learn about how it was and how it is. It will also make you think about where we all need to be. This is a couple of hours that may change how you think for the rest of your life. I have already ordered more books to build on what I learned. Absolutely recommend this tour and can’t thank Pamela enough. Everyone needs to know this History.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meander08213103476
Feb 24, 2025
Great tour! Highly recommend! - My mom and I really enjoyed our tour. We learned a lot and saw so much. Our tour guide, Pamela, was very personable and knowledgeable. We saw so much of Alexandria and learned so much about it's role in both the slave trade and in manumission and the Underground Railroad. Would highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn more about these subjects and see Alexandria in a different, more complex light. Our tickets were only $15 and more than worth the price and further reading recommendations!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurama8261nq
Feb 19, 2025
Rainy day but we had Fun - Our tour guide was Pam N. She was knowledgeable and passionate. She made sure we asked questions and interacted as a group. I enjoyed the walking Tour, even if it was a cold and rainy day!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kara_l
Oct 14, 2024
Great informative tour. Hidden history on display. - Wonderful tour! Learned so much and our guide was seriously knowledgeable. I had no idea what is hidden behind the veneer of Old Town Alexandria - such a rich history.
Review provided by Viator
Snapper_47
Jul 14, 2024
3 Generations Really Liked This Tour! - Really great tour! It was highly recommended by a friend. We, our kids and grandkids (visiting from New Zealand) really found it interesting. Getting the African American view of Alexandria’s history was eye opening. Pamela was a superbly knowledgeable and engaging guide. We highly recommend this tour! (We all really liked it even with temperatures in the muggy mid-90’s!)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth
Mar 10, 2024
Good stories well told - Highly recommend this tour to those interested in stories that help to bring history alive. Mr. Chapman is a very engaging host who encourages questions and clearly knows his stuff. The tour was rated excellent by me and my husband, midle-aged history buffs and long-time Alexandria residents, and by our teenage niece. Good length of time, distance covered, size of group, and walking pace, as well. Don't miss this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q7096rlsandrad
Nov 10, 2024
No show - Waste of my time, no one showed. Called the touring company and they had no knowledge of my booking but my card was charged so I will be expecting a refund from TripAdvisor.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen_j
Nov 3, 2024
Poor customer service. No notification and no guide. - The guide didn’t show up for the 10 am tour. Neither did anyone else. I guess he didn’t want to work the tips for only two people! They even sent us directions on how to get there! We got our money back but we were looking forward to the tour and were frustrated by the inconvenience and inconsideration of the tour company. We booked thru Viator. I wouldn’t recommend the tour or Viator.
Review provided by Viator
Rebecca_k
Jun 30, 2024
Guide did not arrive - The guide didn’t show up. I texted the company- no apology or explanation. I am so disappointed- I was really looking forward to this tour.
Review provided by Viator
From $17
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).