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The History of the Pineapple (Historical Marker)

GPS Coordinates: 38.8039814, -77.0402644
Closest Address: 104 South Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

The History of the Pineapple (Historical Marker)

Here follows the inscription written on this roadside historical marker:

The History of the Pineapple🍍
The pineapple has been a symbol of hospitality since the days of the early American colonies. The legend began with the sea captains of New England, who sailed the Caribbean Islands and returned to the colonies bearing their cargo of fruits, spices and rum.

According to the legend, the captain would spear a pineapple on a fence post outside his home to let his friends know of his safe return from sea. The pineapple was an invitation for them to visit, share his food and drink, and listen to tales of his voyage.

As the tradition grew, colonial innkeepers added the pineapple to their signs and bedposts carved in the shape of a pineapple were a common sight at inns across the country. The legend has continued to the present, and frequently one sees the pineapple symbol in hotels and restaurants to signal the presence of hospitality.

ABOUT ME

Award-winning local historian and tour guide in Franconia and the greater Alexandria area of Virginia.

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ADDRESS

Nathaniel Lee

c/o Franconia Museum

6121 Franconia Road

Alexandria, VA 22310

franconiahistory@gmail.com

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