When the Potomac River’s tide engulfed most of modern day Union Street in the 1790’s, George Gilpin built and owned the building where Principle Gallery currently resides. Having sliced into the nearby cliff, Gilpin used the surrounding clay and stone for the foundation of the 208 King Street location. He would then use this building as a place for daily living and business matters.
Apart from being an innovative engineer, Gilpin was also a man of many hats. He was the collector of customs, a member of the Fairfax Committee of Safety, a soldier in the Revolutionary troops with George Washington, and the husband of Martha Washington’s cousin. His connections to leading officials, through business and marriage, elevated his importance within the Alexandrian community to the point where he was later promoted to the town surveyor. In such a position, he was responsible for producing a contemporary map of Alexandria’s shoreline as well as cutting down the bluffs and the grading that eventually provided the landfill off of Lee Street.
While at the 208 King Street address, Gilpin would conduct business concerning the future of Alexandria in the back rooms that still remain to this day. It has also been said that Gilpin would help sell products from George Washington’s Mount Vernon distillery in the building as well.
In more modern times, the King Street location was previously the Gilpin Book Store where many Alexandrians spent their time perusing books and newspapers. After 20 years of business, Gilpin Book Store closed its doors, allowing for Principle Gallery to move from its Cameron Street site onto King Street. To learn more about Principle Gallery’s history and previous location, click this link!
Though little is known about the preceding owners, the Gilpin House still retains its architectural qualities and historic character from when George had first built it. Principle Gallery welcomes you to explore the fascinating history behind the building and, of course, see some beautiful artwork as well!
Principle Gallery 
I want to visit your gallery on my next trip to DC. I know more about George Gilpin than many people, including the major adventure of his life when he went to visit his sick elder brother Thomas — a pacifist “political prisoner” at Winchester in 1777. Two other brothers were in the Maryland militia. General Howe spent some time in the home of a Gilpin cousin at Birmingham. I need to know more about the Peter wives who were cousins of Martha Washington. Ned ned21@mac.com
Hi Ned, That’s really interesting to hear! Please do stop by, but we don’t have any knowledge to share about your subject.
I’m thrilled to learn that the Gilpin House is still in existence and in use! My mother is a Gilpin, and I’ve recently begun to research her family history. I didn’t even know about Col. George Gilpin until last night. To think that in the 35 years I lived in Virginia and visited Alexandria and DC, I was so close to where my family once lived! Hopefully we’ll get back up there, and take her with us, to visit the art gallery in the home he built.
I read your note about Gilpin. I can help. I’ve written a book where’s Gilpins are major characters, it’s nonfiction history during the Revolution. Ned21@mac.com for more.
Oh, wow! I’d love more info. I’m sending you an email now.