The Story
From ancient shores to a bustling port city, let’s dive into the history of Alexandria, Virginia! Its shoreline was a hotspot for Native Americans, long before the city was even a thought.
In 1608, John Smith met the Tauxenents and Nacotchtanks here.
Fast forward to 1669, Sir William Berkeley granted 6,000 acres of this land to Captain Robert Howson. A month later, Howson sold it to John Alexander for 6,000 pounds of tobacco.
By the late 17th century, plantations and settlements were popping up. In 1749, Alexandria was officially established, named after John Alexander.
In the mid-1750s, Alexandria became a key staging area during the French and Indian War. The town grew rapidly, with merchants and artisans filling the streets."
By the end of the 18th century, Alexandria was one of America’s busiest ports. It was also a major slave-trading center but also home to thriving free black communities.
During the Civil War, Alexandria was occupied by Union troops and became a vital supply center. Despite the turmoil, the city was spared much of the destruction seen elsewhere.
Today, the city continues to thrive and evolve.
