The Swann-Daingerfield house was built by Thomas Swann in 1802, over 200 years ago. To give us a historical perspective of the existence of this House, on July 4, 1802 West Point was opened and Joseph Smith and Simeon Levy became the first graduates. In 1802 Thomas Jefferson was our 3rd president, Aaron Burr was vice president and the Chief Justice was John Marshall.

From 1789 when the office of the presidency was established to this year, 2017, there have been 45 presidents of the United States. Our Swann-Dangerfield house has existed through 43 of those presidencies missing only George Washington, who left office in 1797, and John Adams, who left in 1801. Our home arrived in 1802 along with the presidency of Thomas Jefferson. Quite a feat of longevity for a building!

And it was a house of family history as well. Thomas Swann’s son, Thomas Swann Jr, was born in 1809 and lived in this house before becoming the mayor of Baltimore in 1856 and the 33rd governor of Maryland in 1866, the year after our civil war ended.

The second owner was Henry Daingerfield who bought the house in 1832 and lived here until 1889. Daingerfield was a founder of Springfield, Virginia now a thriving community near Alexandria. You will see his name on a cross street going west on Duke Street nearby, as well as Daingerfield Island just north of here, East of the GW Parkway. He was a successful entrepreneur and very wealthy by standards in those days as noted in a history book: “The city tax list for 1855 discloses that Henry Daingerfield was the highest assessed property holder in the community and the owner of stores, warehouses, wharves, a flourishing farm, and a large private residence” …this residence.

in 1889 the Sisters of the Holy Cross bought the house from Daingerfield, built a school building in the rear of the main house, and from 1889 to 1943 it was St. Mary’s Academy, a high school for young ladies which ultimately merged with Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, VA.

In 1943 the Sisters sold the property to the Alexandria Hospital , and until 1976, it was the School of Nursing for the Hospital, some of whose graduates, to this day, visit this grand home which was their home during an important part of their lives.

Swann-Daingerfield has survived the war of 1812, the Civil War, World Wars I and II, as well as stood with our usual grandeur through our nation’s extraordinary peace time accomplishments for over 200 years. As such, our home mirrors the history of our country and so, we are not only owners of Swann-Daingerfield but we are the custodians of that rich history and protectors of its future prosperity. We own a property that is not only unique in Alexandria, Virginia, but unique in the whole United States.

Founded in 1749, Old Town is a place rich with colonial charm. This is the heart of the City of Alexandria. Going back in time, one might have caught a glimpse of a middle-aged George Washington riding his horse up to Christ Church on the corner of Washington and Cameron Streets. Years later, Old Town became the childhood home of famed Confederate General Robert E. Lee. A slew of other notable names from both Virginian and American History add to Old Town’s lore.

Located on the western bank of the Potomac River, Old Town played an important role in the growth of our nation. It is no surprise that Old Town grew to prominence as a well-traveled port city under both British and U.S. rule. Like the rest of the communities in the City of Alexandria, the development of Old Town is tied closely to its proximity to the nation’s capital.

Since the colonial period, Old Town has established itself as diverse cultural center and bastion of American trade, commerce, and industry.