History of Alexandria, Virginia
The history of Alexandria goes back more than thirteen thousand years. The timeframe of Alexandria's history is packed with events that helped define the United States of America into the nation it is today, from the very first Native Americans to settle here to the bustling city it is presently.
Early History
Alexandria's history begins in Virginia in 1695 with the first European colonization. During the next century, the city became a major transport hub. A significant part of Alexandria was thrown into the new district of Columbia in 1801. A crucial seaport in colonial times, George Washington grew up in Alexandria and is part of original Washington, DC. Thomas Jefferson entertained his guests at Gadsby's Tavern while the Civil War general Robert E. Lee moved with his family to Alexandria when he was only four years old.
In 1814 a British fleet led a successful raid on Alexandria during the War of 1812, which ceded without conflict. As negotiated concerning surrender, the British looted mainly flour, tobacco, cotton, wine and sugar stores, and warehouses.
Alexandria was also one of the most massive slave exchange ports pre-civil war, and it was home to the Franklin & Armfield Slave Market from 1828 to 1836, one of the country's largest slave trading companies. During the 1830s, over 1,000 slaves have been sent yearly from Alexandria to their markets in Mississippi and New Orleans to help keep up with the demand for slaves in and around Mississippi.
In 1814 a British fleet led a successful raid on Alexandria during the War of 1812, which ceded without conflict. As negotiated concerning surrender, the British looted mainly flour, tobacco, cotton, wine and sugar stores, and warehouses.
Alexandria was also one of the most massive slave exchange ports pre-civil war, and it was home to the Franklin & Armfield Slave Market from 1828 to 1836, one of the country's largest slave trading companies. During the 1830s, over 1,000 slaves have been sent yearly from Alexandria to their markets in Mississippi and New Orleans to help keep up with the demand for slaves in and around Mississippi.
Civil War
Alexandria was quickly captured and held for the rest of the American Civil War by Union forces, even after being occupied by Union forces from the outset of the Civil War, the city was crucial both in defense of the nation's capital and as a transport and hospital center for the Union in the war effort.
Alexandria was also an important port and market in the slave trade, and the abolition of slavery in the national capital was increasingly discussed.The economy of Alexandria would suffer significantly if slavery had been banned. At the same time in Virginia, there was an active abolition movement, and the State General Assembly was divided on the subject. Alexandria and the Alexandria County would provide two new slavery representatives.
Well before the war, Alexandrians made history to achieve equality: the sisters of Edmonson became figures of the anti-slavery movement after they attempted to escape from Alexandria and were captured in 1848. Their tale touched off a national controversy when protestors fought to liberate them. Edward Stabler, the founder of Alexandria's Apothecary Shop, was also notorious, used his own money to purchase slaves and then awarded them freedom until his death in 1831. Later in the 1930s, Alexandria's famous African- American lawyer Samuel W. Tucker was one of the Civil Rights Movement's principal architects.
Alexandria was also an important port and market in the slave trade, and the abolition of slavery in the national capital was increasingly discussed.The economy of Alexandria would suffer significantly if slavery had been banned. At the same time in Virginia, there was an active abolition movement, and the State General Assembly was divided on the subject. Alexandria and the Alexandria County would provide two new slavery representatives.
Well before the war, Alexandrians made history to achieve equality: the sisters of Edmonson became figures of the anti-slavery movement after they attempted to escape from Alexandria and were captured in 1848. Their tale touched off a national controversy when protestors fought to liberate them. Edward Stabler, the founder of Alexandria's Apothecary Shop, was also notorious, used his own money to purchase slaves and then awarded them freedom until his death in 1831. Later in the 1930s, Alexandria's famous African- American lawyer Samuel W. Tucker was one of the Civil Rights Movement's principal architects.
Old Town Alexandria
The Old Town district of Alexandria was established in 1946 as the only third historic district in the United States. Its phenomenal accumulation of landmark buildings with a complete history offers a rich background for the flourishing contemporary lives of today. At the beginning of the 20th century, glass, fertilizer, beer, and leather were the most common production in the city.
More information
More information