Step into history when you enter this wonderful circa 1795 home located in the heart of historic Old Town Alexandria. This home was built in 1795 by joiner and cabinet maker John Bogue for James Irwin and is one of the few remaining historically intact “L”houses in Old Town. The home combines mid-Georgian style with Federal style. This magnificent brick townhouse has over 4,200 Sqft of living area and has four bedrooms, five full bathrooms and one half bath. Original period details include high ceilings, five fireplaces, hardwood floors, and beautiful original moldings. Modern conveniences are also represented with updated bathrooms and a newly renovated kitchen. The large gourmet kitchen is updated with new Viking appliances, hand crafted cabinets, and contains the original large hearth fireplace. The kitchen opens to a beautifully landscaped expansive brick courtyard that is perfect for entertaining. In addition to the wonderful history and unique surrounding, this special property has a rare commodity in Old Town-- four parking spaces!

History of 609 Cameron Street

 609 Cameron Street was built by John Bogue who left England for American in the last part of the eighteenth century. The new country was in need of skilled craftsmen and these skilled artisans came in hopes of greater opportunity. John Bogue arrived with his family in 1795. Bogue soon after proudly announced the establishment of his carpentry business in the Gazette, August 1, 1795:

JOHN BOGUE, Respectfully informs the citizens of Alexandria, and its vicinity, that he has now begun business on Princess street, near Mr. Hepburn’s wharf, where he intends carrying on House and Ship Joining. Cabinet making etc. hoping to meet encouragement…N. B. A Journeyman wanted in the above branches. Also a pair of sawyers who understands cutting of mahogany, etc.

 Bogue later opened a hardware store on King Street, where he sold tools for cabinet makers, furniture, and later groceries as a commission merchant. John Bogue and Mungo dykes were commissioned as contractors in 1798 for the Fairfax County Courthouse. Bogue, a member of Brooke Masonic Lodge, was on the committee in 1799 to arrange for the funeral of George Washington, which he attended as a representative of his lodge. John Bogue built his home at 611 Cameron Street and the house adjoining, at 609, for James Irwin. He advertised the sale of his home in the Gazette in 1801:

 For Sale ----That well situated and commodious brick house on Cameron Street now in the occupation of Capt. Daingerfield. Eight rooms well furnished. Full Story and a half kitchen, nursery& lodging rooms above. Stable and other conveniences on lot 25 feet X 176 feet 7 inches deep.

 Early Time Line

 9/21/1795---James Irwin from Belfast Ireland buys the land for 609 and 611 Cameron Street from Cluas Alexander and wife Francis.

12/18/1795---James Irwin conveys southwest corner of the southern half of the block to James Bogue, a carpenter and joiner, who builds himself (611) and James Irwin (609) each a house. 12/26/1796---Insurance policy shows James as owner of “two buildings on Cameron Street, now occupied by Dr. James Gilles, situated between a vacant lot (Later 607) and the brick house of John Bogue (611). The brick dwelling was valued at $3,400 and back kitchen was valued at $600.

 6/12/1797---Thomas Irwin from N.W. of Belfast Ireland (probably brother or cousin of James) buys 609 lot and house from James Irwin for 700 pounds. A four year lease of the property to Dr. Gilles is honored.

 1798---Thomas Irwin is owner of ten different properties in Alexandria City.

1799---Thomas Irwin occupies 609 Cameron Street

1/31/1815--- Thomas buys Gadsby’s Tavern along with William Moore for $13,500.

1720---Personal property tax records show Thomas Irwin owns seven houses, four vacant lots, and one wharf (King and Union). President Monroe’s procession stopped at the Irwin’s wharf in 1817.

1/28/1827---Thomas Irwin dies at age 65. Thomas’s wife, Elizabeth Janney continues to own 609 Cameron.

1847--- Elizabeth Janney dies. The property passed to her six children.

1851---The heirs sell 609 Cameron Street to James M. Steward.

1852---James M. Steward receives permit for indoor plumbing.

 Famous houses on Cameron Street

There are many Historic Homes on Cameron Street. The street gets its name from homage to Thomas Lord Fairfax, 9th Baron Cameron. 609 Cameron Street is located between two very important historical landmarks. 611 Cameron Street is known as The General Harry Lee House. Light Horse Harry Lee, a famous Revolutionary War hero, moved to this house in 1811 to see to the primary education of his sons. His son, Robert E. Lee was then three years old. He delivered the eulogy before congress at George Washington’s Funeral and delivered the famous phrase “First in War, First in Peace, First in the hearts of his Countrymen”. 607 Cameron Street (circa 1816) is known as The Lord Fairfax House. It was home to Lord Thomas Fairfax (famous Virginia Landowner) who purchased it in 1830. He used it as his winter residence until his death in 1846. 508 Cameron Street replicates George Washington’s town house which was built in 1769. 305 Cameron Street was once Duvall’s Tavern. Here George Washington spent New Years Eve in 1783. 912 Cameron Street is known as the Charles Bennett house. Bennett was the famous Alexandria contractor who built the White House after the British burned it. Gadsby’s Tavern (corner of North Royal and Cameron).Here the founding Fathers wined and dined.

 James Irwin

 James was the original owner of 609 Cameron Street. He was born in Belfast, Ireland in 1757. He owned numerous houses and lots in Old town. He was elected to Common council in 1796 and was a member of St. Andrews Society of Alexandria. James was an elder in the Old Presbyterian Church and died in 1822 of fever.

Thomas Irwin

Thomas was born in 1791 N.W. of Belfast, Ireland. He was married to Elizabeth Janney at Friends Meeting House in 1791 and had six children. Thomas also owned many houses and lots in Old Town, including a wharf where President Monroe’s procession stopped in 1817. Thomas bought Gadsby’s Tavern in 1815 and served as director of the Bank of the Potomac from 1821-1826. He oversaw the Poorhouse in 1801 and was also president of the Great Hunting Creek Bridge Co. and Treasure of Star Fire Co. He died in 1827 and was known as a “very honest business man”. Property Information Price: $2,495,000 Year: circa 1795 Style: mid-Georgian/Federal Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 5 full /1 half bath Fireplaces: 5-- 4 working /1 decorative