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Photo credit: Calder Loth, 2023
Moses Hepburn fought tirelessly for the education, rights, and dignity of African Americans. The Alexandria Old Town rowhouses that bear his name are a powerful symbol of an enduring community spirit.
Nestled in the historic district of Alexandria, Virginia, the Moses Hepburn Rowhouses stand as a testament to the perseverance, resilience, and business acumen of one of the wealthiest and most influential African Americans in the 19th century. These four historic rowhouses, located at 206 N. Pitt Street, are not just buildings—they represent a rich story of legacy, struggle, and triumph against the backdrop of a turbulent era in American history.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, the Moses Hepburn Rowhouses continue to shine a light on the remarkable contributions of African Americans to the development of Alexandria and the broader Northern Virginia region.
2021: Moses Hepburn Rowhouses from the north. Courtesy of John Chapman.
The Historical Significance of the Moses Hepburn Rowhouses
Constructed around 1850, the Moses Hepburn Rowhouses were originally built as a set of four identical two-story, two-bay side hall plan dwellings. These elegant rowhouses are among the few remaining architectural relics from the period, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of a successful African American businessman during a time when such success was a rarity. Though these homes were once identical, the unit at 206 N. Pitt Street underwent updates in the late-19th century, reflecting the evolving tastes and needs of their inhabitants. Each rowhouse has also seen one- or two-story additions in the rear, signifying the ongoing adaptations of the homes as they served as both residences and symbols of wealth and influence.
While the architecture of these rowhouses is compelling, their significance extends far beyond their design. Moses Hepburn, the man behind these homes, is a key figure whose personal story is intricately woven into the fabric of Alexandria’s history.
Moses Hepburn: From Enslavement to Empowerment
Moses Hepburn’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in 1806, he inherited great wealth from his father, a prosperous white merchant and a member of the Alexandria City Council. However, Moses’ early life was marked by the cruel realities of slavery. His mother, Esther, was enslaved to his father until 1816 when she and her children were sold to her free black sister, Harriet Jackson. Eleven days after the sale, Harriet Jackson freed Esther and her children, and Moses’ journey toward freedom began.
The legacy of his father, combined with the powerful act of his mother’s emancipation, shaped Moses Hepburn’s future. His father’s will provided for his children, particularly Moses, ensuring that he would be educated and financially supported. Moses attended school in West Chester, Pennsylvania, a progressive city where he could receive an education that would not have been available to him in Virginia. Upon completing his education, Moses returned to Alexandria, where he established himself as a successful businessman, civic leader, and philanthropist.
Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church. Courtesy of John Chapman.
Moses Hepburn’s success was not just limited to his wealth but also his ability to navigate the complex social and political systems of his time. He used his prosperity and influence to advocate for his community, playing a vital role in the founding of Davis Chapel, later known as Roberts Memorial, one of the oldest African American churches in Alexandria. His leadership extended beyond religious endeavors as he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of African Americans in Northern Virginia.
The Impact of Moses Hepburn’s Wealth and Influence
By all accounts, Moses Hepburn became the wealthiest free African American in Northern Virginia. His wealth, accumulated through shrewd investments and business ventures, allowed him to live a life of comfort and security—something that was rare for African Americans during the antebellum period. He was known for his astute real estate dealings and for using his financial success to benefit not only his family but also the African American community in Alexandria.
One of Hepburn’s main goals was to provide an education for his eight children. In pursuit of this goal, he sent his son Moses Hepburn Jr. to school in Washington, D.C. However, this decision would prove to be a controversial one. In 1847 Alexandria was retroceded to Virginia and Virginia passed laws forbidding the education of African Americans. When Alexandria authorities learned of Hepburn’s actions, they gave him an ultimatum: leave the state or face severe consequences. This threat to his family’s future, combined with the increasingly hostile racial climate in Alexandria, prompted the Hepburn family to relocate to West Chester, Pennsylvania, where Moses Hepburn continued to live and prosper.
Legacy of the Moses Hepburn Rowhouses
The Moses Hepburn Rowhouses not only represent the wealth and success that Moses Hepburn achieved but also the enduring legacy of a man who fought tirelessly for the education, rights, and dignity of African Americans. In 2004, the rowhouses were added to the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring that the story of Moses Hepburn and his contribution to the fabric of Alexandria’s history will not be forgotten.
These homes, standing proudly on Pitt Street, are a lasting reminder of the struggle and perseverance of an African American family that rose from the ashes of slavery to become leaders in their community. Today, the Moses Hepburn Rowhouses continue to serve as a historical landmark, reminding residents and visitors alike of the rich African American history that helped shape Alexandria.
For those interested in exploring Alexandria’s storied past, particularly the contributions of African Americans to the city’s development, the Moses Hepburn Rowhouses are an essential part of the narrative. They stand as a powerful symbol of resilience, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of a community determined to carve out its own space in history. As Alexandria’s real estate market continues to evolve, the Moses Hepburn Rowhouses will remain a treasured historical site that reflects the city’s deep connection to its past.
For prospective homeowners or history enthusiasts, the legacy of the Moses Hepburn Rowhouses is a reminder of the importance of preserving historical landmarks that not only add character to a neighborhood but also tell the compelling stories of those who paved the way for future generations.
JOHN CHAMPMAN
John Chapman is a fourth-generation Alexandrian, the founder of Alexandria’s Manumission Tour Company, and a fourth-term member of Alexandria’s City Council.
