This Georgian Palladian-style manor house, overlooking the Potomac River, was completed in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1753 by John Carlyle, a wealthy Scottish merchant.  Originally constructed entirely out of Aquia stone, it was the only solid stone house in Alexandria at the time.  In 1755, British General Braddock occupied Carlyle’s house as headquarters to plan the early French and Indian War campaigns.  Today Aquia stone on the exteriors is not visible, for the back and sides were covered in stucco and the front facade was covered with a thin veneer of Indiana limestone.   (photo:  Jane Conner)