Centuries-Old Ship's Hull Unearthed in Old Town Alexandria

Hull found during construction

Hundreds of people braved the cold morning air in Alexandria for a peek into the past Tuesday, after part of a centuries-old ship's hull was discovered during construction of a new hotel between Union and Strand streets at the waterfront.

City archaeologists who have been on site throughout the construction believe the ship, which may have been military, dates to the 1700s.

They say it's remarkably intact. Because of where it was buried, air couldn't reach it, keeping the wood from decaying.

The same site has also yielded the foundation of a warehouse and three outhouses.

The pieces will be preserved and may go on display eventually, but the process will take several years.

In the meantime, the Hotel Indigo will be built on the site.

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