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City of Alexandria and Fairfax County
Alexandria is located on the west bank of the Potomac River, six miles below Washington, D.C. and nine miles north of Mount Vernon.
Much of present-day Alexandria was included in a 6,000-acre land grant from Sir William Berkeley, Governor of Virginia, which was awarded to Robert Howsing, an English ship captain, on October 21, 1669. This land overlapped a 700-acre patent that had previously been issued to Dame Margaret Brent in 1654. The Howsing tract extended along the Potomac River from Hunting Creek on the south to the Little Falls on the north. The grant was made by authority of King Charles II in recognition of Captain Howsing's bringing 120 people to live in Virginia. Less than a month later, Howsing sold the land for 6,000 pounds of tobacco to John Alexander.
By 1732, Hugh West had established tobacco warehouses two miles south of Hunting Creek. The adjacent land has been cleared and farmed as early as the 1720s by John Summers and Gabriel Adams. To facilitate shipping, Scottish and English merchants who owned real estate at Cameron, a small hamlet four miles west, petitioned the Virginia General Assembly in the fall of 1748 to establish a town at West's Hunting Creek Warehouse. In the spring of 1749, this site was selected and the new town was named Alexandria in honor of its original owner, Scotsman John Alexander, who in 1669, purchased the land that included the future site of Alexandria for "Six thousand pounds of Tobacco and Cask". John West, Fairfax County surveyor, laid off 60 acres (by tradition, assisted by 17-year-old George Washington), and lots were auctioned off July 13 and 14, 1749.
Incorporated in 1779, Alexandria became a port of entry for foreign vessels and a major export center for flour and hemp. Its bustling harbor teemed with brigs, schooners, and ships of the line, which traversed the high seas and engaged in international and coastwide trade. The streets were lined with substantial brick houses and the "sound of the hammer and trowel were at work everywhere." In 1796, a visitor, the Duc de La Rochfoucauld Liancourt, commented that: "Alexandria is beyond all comparison the handsomest town in Virginia--indeed is among the finest in the United States." (Quotes by Fairfax Harrison: See Page 417 of Landmarks of Old Prince William County, 1964, Chesapeake Book Company, Berryville, Virginia)
Water (now Lee), Fairfax, and Royal Streets were laid out in a north/south orientation. Fairfax was named for Thomas, sixth Lord Fairfax and Baron of Cameron, proprietor of the Northern Neck of Virginia. Duke, Prince, King, Cameron (also named for Lord Fairfax), Queen, Princess, and Oronoco Streets run east and west. Oronoco, a variety of tobacco, was transported to the area's first warehouses at the foot of this street, giving it its name. Pitt Street was named for a British prime minister, and St. Asaph for a Welsh bishop who sympathized with the colonies. Wolfe Street was named for the general who captured Quebec, Wilkes Street for an Englishman who worked for liberty, and Gibbon Street for a writer of history. Columbus* and Alfred* were named after members of the Alexander family. Patrick and Henry Streets honor the Virginia patriot who said, "Give me liberty or give me death." Fayette was named for General Lafayette. Washington and Lee streets were named later to honor these famous Virginians.
In 1789, Alexandria and a portion of Fairfax County were ceded by the State of Virginia to become a part of the newly created 10-mile-square District of Columbia. Formally accepted by Congress in 1801, Alexandria remained under the aegis of the new federal government until it was retroceded to Virginia in 1847. In 1852, it acquired city status and gained a new charter.
At the time of the Revolution, Alexandria was one of the principal colonial trading centers and ports. Alexandria's political, social, and commercial interests were of great importance to many local residents, especially to neighboring George Washington in Mount Vernon. Washington maintained a town house here and served as a Trustee of Alexandria. Washington also purchased a pew in Christ Church, and served as Worshipful Master of Alexandria Masonic Lodge No. 22.** Records reveal that Washington had numerous social and business connections to the town.
From their earliest days, Alexandrians have known war. George Washington drilled militia troops at Market Square in 1754, and the town served as a supply and hospital center during the Revolutionary conflict. English General Braddock made his headquarters in Alexandria and occupied the Carlyle House while planning his campaign against the French in 1755. Captured and held for ransom by the British during the War of 1812, Alexandria's warehouses were plundered by the enemy.
"Light Horse Harry" Lee, a Revolutionary War general, and the father of Robert E. Lee, brought his family to Alexandria in 1810. Robert lived here until his departure for West Point in June. 1825. In the years prior to the Civil War, industry grew and flourished and shipping through the Alexandria Canal was prosperous.
During the Civil War, the City was immediately occupied by the Union military forces on May 24, 1861, and became a logistical supply center for the federal army. Troops and supplies were transported to Alexandria via the port and the railroad and then dispersed where needed at the front. Wounded soldiers, brought back on the trains, crowded the available hospitals and temporary medical facilities in and around the town. It was during this era that several forts were constructed in Alexandria as a part of the defenses of the City of Washington. Fort Ward Park contains one of these restored forts. From 1863 to 1865, the City was the capital of the Restored Government of Virginia, which represented the seven Virginia counties remaining under federal control during the Civil War.
Although Alexandria was a slave sale and trading location prior to the Civil War, it also had a history of several free Black communities. African-American life flourished with the establishment of churches, social and fraternal organizations, and businesses. Many early Alexandria African-Americans were skilled artisans.
Alexandria, which is almost 50 years older than the City of Washington, is one of America's most historic communities. It has many authentic eighteenth-century buildings, and the charm of the "Old and Historic District" is carefully preserved by strict architectural and demolition control. Alexandria began its historic preservation and urban renewal projects in the 1960s, achieved through the cooperation of citizen activists and local government. The Civil War centennial restoration of the northwest bastion of Fort Ward was the beginning of Alexandria's official protection of historic sites and landmarks.
The Torpedo Factory was built during World War I and was again used in World War II as a United States munitions factory. Before its renovation in the late 1970s and early 1980s, its ten heavy industrial buildings dominated Alexandria's waterfront. Today, it is an award winning example of adaptive reuse and the centerpiece of a lively waterfront with a marina, shops, public parks and walkways, restaurants, residences, and offices.
Since 1988, Alexandria has experienced unprecedented commercial development. Today the Old Town historic district is known for its array of museums, architecture, special events, fine restaurants and hotels, and other attractions that draw more than 1.5 million international and domestic visitors to it each year. More than two million square feet of new office complexes have been constructed. With this development, the City has become a mecca for divisional, regional, national, and multinational headquarters for operations ranging from research and development to high technology, associations, and professional services.
A cross
section of headquarters operations that have expanded or relocated to
Alexandria includes the Public Broadcasting Service, the American Diabetes
Association, TRW, AT&T, Technology Applications, Capitol Publications, Fokker
Aircraft USA, Softec, and the American Society for Training and Development.
*
"Columbus," and "Alfred," may be names in the Alexander family, but the only
ones that appear in Alexandria's history are: "John," "Phillip," "Charles," "Gerrard,"
"William Thornton," and "Robert. "
** Washington was elected to be a vestryman for Christ Church, but before he
could serve, the Virginia Assembly re-drew the parish boundaries and
Washington's Mount Vernon was back in Truro Parish (Pohick Church).
Alexandria's Location and Climate
Alexandria is located in Northern Virginia south across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. The city encompasses 15.75 square miles at an average elevation of 30 feet above sea level.
Alexandria lies to the north of I-95, on the Virginia side of the Wilson Bridge. To access the city from I-95, take the Route 1 exit north (Patrick Street). Turn right on King Street to reach downtown Alexandria. From National Airport, take the George Washington Memorial Parkway south, it becomes Washington Street which passes through downtown. From Washington, D.C., take I-395 south to Route 1 south. After passing through Crystal City and Potomac Yards, Route 1 becomes Henry Street. Downtown is left on King Street.
Public parking is available throughout the downtown area. Because of rush hour traffic limitations, street parking restrictions are strictly enforced.
Average January temperature is 35.6 degrees, average July temperature is 78.7 degrees. Winter snows are generally mild but ice storms occasionally hit during January and February. Summers are generally humid from July through early September.
Immediately adjacent to the Nation's Capital, Fairfax County offers a whole new world of wonderful places to explore - ranging from the beautiful grounds of historic Mount Vernon: George Washington's Estate & Gardens and America's most popular estate to the supersonic appeal of the Smithsonian Institute's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
You'll be captivated with the variety of nationally acclaimed entertainment and performing artists at Wolf Trap, America's only National Park for the Performing Arts. And, be sure to save time to experience the world-class shopping of Tysons Corner, with over 500 shops and restaurants all within walking distance of each other.
History of Fairfax County, Virginia
In many ways the recorded history of Fairfax County, Virginia is a reflection of the history of the United States. Although the county was not formally created until 1742, the history of English settlement on the land that is now Fairfax County spans the early 1600s to the present. Such familiar Fairfax County names and places as George Washington, George Mason, Mount Vernon, Bull Run—even Washington Dulles International Airport—have played or are still playing important roles in the lives of Americans everywhere.
In 1649, King Charles II of England granted all of the land between the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers to a group of seven Englishmen. In 1719 this land came into the possession of Thomas, sixth Lord Fairfax, after whom Fairfax County was named. By 1732 there were attempts to form the land into a county, but it was not until 1741 that the Virginia Assembly, meeting in Williamsburg, created Fairfax County. The assembly action took effect the next year.
From around 1750 to the end of the 18th century, changes abounded in Fairfax County's lifestyle and character. Roads were built and mills and other forms of industry increased. Forests were cleared for farmland.
The Revolutionary War
More than just economic, commercial and demographic changes occurred in the late 1700s. Historic relationships were also altered, when Virginia ceased being part of the British Empire and became part of the American nation.
The land area of the county was dramatically reduced by 60 percent in 1757, as Loudoun County was formed out of western Fairfax. In 1798, land in northeastern Fairfax County (parts of present-day Arlington County and Alexandria City) was ceded to the new federal government as part of the national capital, the District of Columbia.
During the last half of the 18th century, two of the County's most prominent residents, George Washington and George Mason, became chief forces behind the formation of the American nation. Their respective homes – Mount Vernon and Gunston Hall – are still open to the public. In 1784 George Washington presided over the first corporate venture in the United States, the Patowmack Canal Company. The company was formed to construct a canal around Great Falls, to make the Potomac River navigable and stimulate trade between the East and the Ohio Valley.
While Washington served as the first president of the United States, Mason was a leading intellectual force, along with fellow Virginian Thomas Jefferson. Mason's ideas on the rights of man surfaced in such important documents as the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Virginia Constitution of 1776, both of which were authored by him. His Virginia Declaration of Rights served as the model for the American Bill of Rights and the French Declaration of Rights of Man and the Citizen, which was issued after the French Revolution.
The American Civil War
During the Civil War, Fairfax County was literally caught in the middle of the hostilities. Rebel troops were located in the western area, while Union troops were positioned in the northern and eastern areas, near Alexandria. Troops from both sides crisscrossed the county, often wreaking havoc and destruction on private property. Raiders from both sides, the most notable of whom was the Confederate John Singleton Mosby, used the county as a staging ground for many forays.
Two major battles, First and Second Manassas, took place just south and adjacent to the county, near Bull Run. The first battle, in July 1861, was fought by inexperienced troops on both sides. It ended with a Confederate rout of the Union army, which was forced to flee to the safety of Washington, D.C. Experienced soldiers fought the second battle in late August 1862. The time, Confederate General Robert E. Lee defeated Union forces led by generals McClellan and Pope, and opened the North to later attacks by Confederate troops.
Several minor battles were fought in Fairfax County. On June 1, 1861, there was a Union cavalry raid on the Fairfax County Court house in which several casualties occurred. John Quincy Marr died during this skirmish, becoming the first Confederate officer to be killed in the war. Later that month a bloody battle broke out between Yankee and Rebel troops at the Town of Vienna. Skirmishes were also fought near Dranesville and Centreville.
Fairfax County Today
Once a rural area dotted with farms, Fairfax County in the 21st century is a growing metropolis with a thriving technology industry. With its 300 parks, proximity to the nation’s capital and a host of historic homes, Fairfax County offers visitors a unique experience.
Interspersed with Fairfax County’s impressive collection of 18th and 19th century landmarks are its featured attractions: The
National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
With over 80 aircraft and dozens of space artifacts, including the space
shuttle Enterprise, the SR 71 Blackbird, the Center is an attraction not to be
missed.
Wolf Trap
National Park for the Performing Arts.
The only national park for the performing arts, with the open-air Filene
Center and the cozier Barns, Wolf Trap offers a variety of musical
entertainment throughout the year.
Mount Vernon
Estate and Gardens.
Experience the spectacular beauty of the home of our nation’s first president,
George Washington. While here, make sure to explore Mount Vernon’s beautiful
gardens. Tysons Corner.
Shopping, shopping, shopping! It’s the largest concentration of stores on the
East Coast (500 to be exact), all within walking distance of each other.
Additionally, Fairfax County offers immediate access to regional malls in
Springfield
and Fair Oaks, as well as premium shopping outlets at nearby Potomac Mills and
Leesburg.”
Did You Know ...
- Fairfax County is the most populous county in Virginia; According to the 2000 census, 984,366 people live here, making the population larger than that of seven states (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming).
- Fairfax County, which covers 395 square miles, has 358,149 households with a median family income of $84,683 as of 2001. The median market value of a single-family home in 2001 was $288,585.
- Fairfax County is governed by a Board of Supervisors composed of 10 members; a chairman, elected at large, and one member from each of nine Supervisor districts, elected for four-year terms by the voters of the districts in which the members reside. The Board appoints a County Executive to administer the county government, carrying out the policies established by the Board.
- Fairfax County’s public school system is the largest in Virginia and the 12th largest in the nation. School Board members are elected for four-year terms by Fairfax County voters. Because the School Board doesn’t have the power to tax or incur debt, the local operating costs of the school system are provided from federal and state government funds and by transfers from the county budget to the schools. Approximately 52.5 percent of each county tax dollar goes to schools.
- Out of approximately 32,000 counties and cities in the United States, Fairfax County is one of only 29 with three Triple A bond credit ratings — the highest credit rating possible. This means that the county’s bonds always sell at lower interest rates, saving millions of dollars each time bonds are sold.
- Fairfax County is one of the safest counties of its size in the nation. It has fewer police officers per 1,000 residents than any other suburban area, yet it has one of the highest levels of police service at one of the lowest per capita costs in the D.C. area.
- Fairfax County has more than 21,000 acres of public parkland and operates more than 370 facilities. The Park Authority offers a tremendous variety of activities, natural environments and sports programs.
- Tysons Corner, located within the county, contains one of the largest concentrations of retail shopping on the East Coast outside of New York City.
- The Fairfax County Public Library was recently ranked one of the top ten library systems in America. It has 21 branches, 3 million items, and had more than five million visits last year. For a branch near you, call 703-324-3100, TTY 703-324-8365, or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.
