Antique Sailing Vessel 'Providence' Expected to Dock in 2019
Tall Ship Old Navy to Set Sail for New Home in Old Town Alexandria
The historic replica of the Old Navy, a significant piece of American maritime history, is making its way to Old Town Alexandria. The Tall Ship Old Navy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has acquired the vessel and is currently raising funds for its restoration.
The Old Navy, a tall ship and a full-scale replica of the Continental Navy's first warship built in the 1700s, is no ordinary vessel. It is a 12-gun, 110-foot "Sloop of War," which once served as the U.S. Navy's first warship. The original Old Navy, built by the Brown family in the late 1700s, who also founded Brown University, met its fate in 1779 when it was deliberately sunk to prevent it from being captured by the British.
In 1976, a replica of the Old Navy was commissioned for the United States Bicentennial Celebration. Now, over four decades later, this historical replica is set to become a permanent fixture in Old Town Alexandria. The Old Navy's arrival is expected in the early summer of 2019.
Once restored, the Old Navy will not just be a sight to behold in Alexandria's picturesque waterfront. It will serve as an educational tool, offering tours, chartered cruises, and historical education events. The Tall Ship Old Navy Foundation's mission is to promote maritime, naval, and American Revolutionary War history in Alexandria, Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay region.
The Old Navy's new home port will mark a significant milestone in the foundation's efforts to preserve and share this important piece of American history. As the Old Navy sails into Old Town Alexandria, it brings with it a rich history that promises to enrich the city's cultural landscape.
