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History of Alexandria, Virginia, USA
Journey back in time to Alexandria, Virginia, USA
Explore Alexandria, Virginia, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Alexandria Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
A fort was built on the site in 1676 to defend the area from attacks by Susquehannock (Susquehanna) Indians. The site was settled in the late 1600s, and a community known as Belhaven was founded there in 1731. English and Scottish merchants then established a tobacco warehouse in Belhaven, and the settlement soon became an important shipping centre. It was organized in 1749 and renamed for John Alexander, who had originally been granted the land, and in 1779 it was incorporated as a town. Alexandria has the unique distinction of being designated an independent city (without county affiliation) by an act of Congress (1852). George Washington helped to lay out its streets and drilled troops there during the French and Indian War.
britannica.com
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Alexandria Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Alexandria, Virginia, USA
Postcard
George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria, Virginia, USA
Postcard
Christ Church, Alexandria, Va. where Washington Worshipped
Alexandria, Virginia, USA
Postcard
Carlyle House, Alexandria, Va.
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to ALEXANDRIA
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Discover Alexandria: History, News, Travel, and Stories
1792 - Bank of Alexandria Established
In 1792, Bank of Alexandria was established with capital of $500,000.
The Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, Volume 3
Author Sir David Brewster
Publisher J. & E. Parker, 1832
Page 229
In 1792, Bank of Alexandria was established with capital of $500,000.
The Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, Volume 3
Author Sir David Brewster
Publisher J. & E. Parker, 1832
Page 229
1854 - Alexandria
Alexandria, a city port of entry and capital of Alexandria county, Virginia, on the right bank of the Potomac, 7 miles below Washington. Lat. 38° 49' N. Lon. 77° 4' W. The river, here one mile wide, forms a commodious harbor, sufficiently deep for the largest ships. The city is pleasantly situated on undulating ground, with a fine view of the capitol at Washington and of the broad Potomac. The streets cross each other at right angles and are generally well paved and lighted with gas. The public buildings are a court house and about 12 churches. There are 3 banks, 2 news paper offices, and several excellent schools. The water of the river has recently been introduced into the city by means of ma chinery. A considerable amount of shipping is owned here, in which corn, tobacco, and stone coal are exported. A canal has been opened to Georgetown intersecting the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, and a railroad 90 miles long extends from this city to Gordonsville on the Central railroad. These... Read MORE...
Alexandria, a city port of entry and capital of Alexandria county, Virginia, on the right bank of the Potomac, 7 miles below Washington. Lat. 38° 49' N. Lon. 77° 4' W. The river, here one mile wide, forms a commodious harbor, sufficiently deep for the largest ships. The city is pleasantly situated on undulating ground, with a fine view of the capitol at Washington and of the broad Potomac. The streets cross each other at right angles and are generally well paved and lighted with gas. The public buildings are a court house and about 12 churches. There are 3 banks, 2 news paper offices, and several excellent schools. The water of the river has recently been introduced into the city by means of ma chinery. A considerable amount of shipping is owned here, in which corn, tobacco, and stone coal are exported. A canal has been opened to Georgetown intersecting the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, and a railroad 90 miles long extends from this city to Gordonsville on the Central railroad. These... Read MORE...
1854 - Destructive Fire at Alexandria.
WASHINGTON, Monday, June 5. The provision stores of Mr. Hone and Messrs. Masters & Son, on Union-street, Alexandria, were destroyed by fire this morning. Hone had 3,000 barrels of flour and a large quantity of lard, hams, &c., in store, only a small portion of which was saved.
During the fire ten kegs of powder in Master's store exploded, creating great excitement were completely gutted and most of their contents destroyed. The loss will probably amount to $50,000.
The New York Times
New York, New York
June 6, 1854
WASHINGTON, Monday, June 5. The provision stores of Mr. Hone and Messrs. Masters & Son, on Union-street, Alexandria, were destroyed by fire this morning. Hone had 3,000 barrels of flour and a large quantity of lard, hams, &c., in store, only a small portion of which was saved.
During the fire ten kegs of powder in Master's store exploded, creating great excitement were completely gutted and most of their contents destroyed. The loss will probably amount to $50,000.
The New York Times
New York, New York
June 6, 1854
1885 - Freight Train Wreck
Alexandria, VA - Feb 12 - By the breaking of a rail on the Washington, Ohio and West railroad, between Guilford and Farmwell stations, this morning, four freight cars were thrown from the track and the caboose upset. CLARENCE WASHINGTON, conductor, was killed.
Edgar Clarence Washington
born 23 JAN 1868 in Alexandria, VA
died 12 FEB 1885 in Alexandria, VA (unmarried)
son of George and Sallie Foote Massie Washington
Courier Journal
Louisville, Kentucky
February 13, 1885
Alexandria, VA - Feb 12 - By the breaking of a rail on the Washington, Ohio and West railroad, between Guilford and Farmwell stations, this morning, four freight cars were thrown from the track and the caboose upset. CLARENCE WASHINGTON, conductor, was killed.
Edgar Clarence Washington
born 23 JAN 1868 in Alexandria, VA
died 12 FEB 1885 in Alexandria, VA (unmarried)
son of George and Sallie Foote Massie Washington
Courier Journal
Louisville, Kentucky
February 13, 1885
1895 - Alexandria
Alexandria, a city, port of entry, and capital of Alexandria co., Va., on the right bank of the Potomac River, 7 miles below Washington. The river, here 1 mile wide, forms a commodious harbor sufficiently deep for the largest ships. The city is pleasantly situated on undulating ground, with a fine view of the Capitol at Washington. It is a terminus of the Washington & Ohio and of the Virginia Mid land Railroads, under the Richmond & Danville system, and of the Alexandria Branch of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. It contains a court-house, 16 churches, 3 banks, 2 Catholic academies, 2 newspaper offices, and a public library. It has manufactures of cotton, flour, and furniture, several machine-shops, &c., and is lighted with gas and electricity. Pop. in 1860, 12,652; in 1870, 13,570; in 1880, 13,659; in 1890, 14,339.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Alexandria, a city, port of entry, and capital of Alexandria co., Va., on the right bank of the Potomac River, 7 miles below Washington. The river, here 1 mile wide, forms a commodious harbor sufficiently deep for the largest ships. The city is pleasantly situated on undulating ground, with a fine view of the Capitol at Washington. It is a terminus of the Washington & Ohio and of the Virginia Mid land Railroads, under the Richmond & Danville system, and of the Alexandria Branch of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. It contains a court-house, 16 churches, 3 banks, 2 Catholic academies, 2 newspaper offices, and a public library. It has manufactures of cotton, flour, and furniture, several machine-shops, &c., and is lighted with gas and electricity. Pop. in 1860, 12,652; in 1870, 13,570; in 1880, 13,659; in 1890, 14,339.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1909 - FIRE IN ALEXANDRIA. Three Blocks in Blaze With a Loss of $500,000.
By United Press.
Washington, D. C. May 13 - A big fire is raging in Alexandria, Va., just across the river from Washington. It started in the lumber yards of Smoot & Co., and spread to H. K. Fields' lumber yard. At noon the fire is still burning over three blocks and at that time loss was estimated at half a million dollars.
The Washington fire department was appealed to for assistance and sent engines to the scene.
Evening Times
Cumberland, Maryland
May 13, 1909
By United Press.
Washington, D. C. May 13 - A big fire is raging in Alexandria, Va., just across the river from Washington. It started in the lumber yards of Smoot & Co., and spread to H. K. Fields' lumber yard. At noon the fire is still burning over three blocks and at that time loss was estimated at half a million dollars.
The Washington fire department was appealed to for assistance and sent engines to the scene.
Evening Times
Cumberland, Maryland
May 13, 1909
1916
Alexandria, a city and port of entry of Virginia (formerly in Alexandria co., now independent), on the right bank of the Potomac River, 6 miles below Washington. The river, here 1 mile wide, forms a commodious harbor sufficiently deep for the largest ships. The city is pleas antly situated on undulating ground, with a fine view of the Capitol at Washington. It is at the intersection of various railroads (Pennsylvania, Chesapeake and Ohio, etc.). It has chemical works and manufactures of shoes, glass, fertilizers, beer, machinery, and bricks. Pop. in 860, 12,652 ; in 1890, 14,339 ; in 1900, 14,528.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Alexandria, a city and port of entry of Virginia (formerly in Alexandria co., now independent), on the right bank of the Potomac River, 6 miles below Washington. The river, here 1 mile wide, forms a commodious harbor sufficiently deep for the largest ships. The city is pleas antly situated on undulating ground, with a fine view of the Capitol at Washington. It is at the intersection of various railroads (Pennsylvania, Chesapeake and Ohio, etc.). It has chemical works and manufactures of shoes, glass, fertilizers, beer, machinery, and bricks. Pop. in 860, 12,652 ; in 1890, 14,339 ; in 1900, 14,528.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
1922 - MOTHER AND 4 CHILDREN ARE DROWNED MRS. WILLIAM LAWRENCE, DAUGHTER ANT TWO SONS PERISH WHEN SCHOONER SINKS.
HUSBAND AND SON SAVED
Captain and Son Rescued From Rigging of Boat; Taken to Hospital.
WASHINGTON. April 14. - One woman, her daughter and three sons were drowned today when the schooner S. C. Kendle capsized in a storm and sank in the Potomac river a mile below Alexandria, Va., this morning.
Mrs. Gerturde Lawrence, 45, wife of Capt. William Lawrence, of New Alexandria, Va., the captain of the vessel.
Lillian Lawrence, 15, a daughter.
The sons, Archie, 14; Alvin, 10 and Meirle, 7.
All were in the cabin of the schooner when it sunk.
Captain Lawrence and his 19-year-old son Carroll were rescued from the rigging of the schooner by the crew of the Northland. They were taken to a hospital.
The Logansport Pharos Tribune
Logansport, Indiana
April 14, 1922
HUSBAND AND SON SAVED
Captain and Son Rescued From Rigging of Boat; Taken to Hospital.
WASHINGTON. April 14. - One woman, her daughter and three sons were drowned today when the schooner S. C. Kendle capsized in a storm and sank in the Potomac river a mile below Alexandria, Va., this morning.
Mrs. Gerturde Lawrence, 45, wife of Capt. William Lawrence, of New Alexandria, Va., the captain of the vessel.
Lillian Lawrence, 15, a daughter.
The sons, Archie, 14; Alvin, 10 and Meirle, 7.
All were in the cabin of the schooner when it sunk.
Captain Lawrence and his 19-year-old son Carroll were rescued from the rigging of the schooner by the crew of the Northland. They were taken to a hospital.
The Logansport Pharos Tribune
Logansport, Indiana
April 14, 1922
1927 - November 17 - A tornado cut a seventeen mile path across Alexandria and southeastern Washington, DC, injuring 31 persons.
The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel
Alexandria, Virginia is a fantastic destination with a rich history and plenty of activities to enjoy. Whether you're into history, outdoor adventures, or just want to relax, there's something for everyone. Here's a list to get you started:
Old Town Alexandria: Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Town. It's filled with charming 18th and 19th-century architecture, boutiques, and restaurants. King Street, in particular, is a hub of activity.
Waterfront: Head down to the waterfront for a picturesque view of the Potomac River. You can take a boat tour, enjoy waterfront dining, or simply relax by the water.
Torpedo Factory Art Center: This is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The Torpedo Factory is home to multiple artist studios and galleries. You can witness artists at work and even purchase unique pieces.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial: Explore this impressive memorial dedicated to George Washington, which also serves as a museum and a research library.
Mount Vernon: Just a short drive from Alexandria, Mount Vernon was George Washington's plantation home. Tour the mansion, gardens, and learn about the life of the first President of the United States.
Gadsby's Tavern Museum: Step ... Read MORE...
Old Town Alexandria: Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Town. It's filled with charming 18th and 19th-century architecture, boutiques, and restaurants. King Street, in particular, is a hub of activity.
Waterfront: Head down to the waterfront for a picturesque view of the Potomac River. You can take a boat tour, enjoy waterfront dining, or simply relax by the water.
Torpedo Factory Art Center: This is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The Torpedo Factory is home to multiple artist studios and galleries. You can witness artists at work and even purchase unique pieces.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial: Explore this impressive memorial dedicated to George Washington, which also serves as a museum and a research library.
Mount Vernon: Just a short drive from Alexandria, Mount Vernon was George Washington's plantation home. Tour the mansion, gardens, and learn about the life of the first President of the United States.
Gadsby's Tavern Museum: Step ... Read MORE...
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Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Alexandria, Virginia, USA
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