The Patton-Fowle House (Historical Marker)

Here follows the inscription written on this roadside historical marker:

The Patton-Fowle House
711 Prince Street
c. 1806
Private Residence

The Patton-Fowle House - attributed by some to renowned early American architect Charles Bulfinch of Boston - is one of America's finest examples of Federal high-style architecture. Sharing many of the same features as the historic Octagon House, Tudor Place and Decatur House in Washington, D.C, this important landmark is protected by preservation easements in favor of both the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Historic Alexandria Foundation.

Construction of this home began in 1806 by James Patton and was completed in 1815 by wealthy shipping merchant and banker, William Fowle of Boston. The home remained in the Fowle family from 1811 until 1969 - five generations spanning 158 years. Mr. Fowle owned an Alexandria shipping company, was the President of the Bank of the Old Dominion, and was the founder of the Alexandria Lyceum. A portrait by John Singleton Copley of Mr. Fowle's grandfather hangs in the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.