For an unusual look at life in Colonial and Civil War era America, stop into the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. This apothecary-turned-museum first opened in 1792 and functioned for decades as a widely popular place to get herbal remedies and medicines. Records maintained at the shop reveal that Martha Washington, Robert E. Lee, and hundreds of sickly Union soldiers picked up medicines here! In fact, many of the antique bottles still hold 200-year-old bottles labeled with ingredients like mercury, dragon’s blood, and opium!

With museum hours that vary by season, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum charges an admission fee of $5 for adults and $3 for children. Request a guided tour, or stop by for special events including lectures, dance classes, and hands-on science demonstrations.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 South Fairfax St
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703) 746-3852
www.alexandriava.gov/Apothecary

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr miss.libertine

From 1792 to 1933, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum was a family business selling everything from medicine to garden and farm equipment to soap, perfumes, cigars, and art supplies. Famous customers included Robert E. Lee and Martha Washington. Today, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is home to what visitors call a truly astonishing array of historic and archival materials.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum has been operated as a museum pretty much since the doors closed to mercantile customers during the Great Depression, so the entire original inventory remains on display. Visitors say the structure itself has been flawlessly preserved, and it’s a great cultural experience for anyone interested in herbal remedies or the history of pharmaceuticals and medicine.

Tours are available, and history buffs will likely be fascinated by the curiosities on view.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 S. Fairfax Street
Alexandra, VA 22314
(703) 838-3852
www.alexandriava.gov/Apothecary
www.yelp.com/biz/stabler-leadbeater-apothecary-museum-alexandria

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/giiku