6 Things You Might Not Know About the History of Alexandria

Alexandria is a beautiful town full of wonder and history. From the first European settlement to the establishment of a significant port city, the town’s history is far from short. Like every town though, Alexandria has some things that aren’t always kept on the surface. Keep reading to find out six things you might not know about the history of Alexandria.

Alexandria Was a Supply Center During the Civil War

In 1861, the town of Alexandria, Virginia, became a supply center for the Federal Army during the Civil War. Troops and various supplies were transported to the town through the port and the railroad and were then dispersed where they needed to be at the front lines. There were hospitals and medical buildings that housed wounded soldiers that were brought back to the city by train. This allowed the city to remain intact. It didn’t sustain any major damage during the war like many of the other towns in the area.

The Town Was a Thriving Trading Post

In the 1700s, Alexandria was a very profitable town for crops of all kinds. Farmers grew crops such as hemp, tobacco, corn, and wheat. The community set up a trading and shipping port so that people could gather and exchange the crops they had grown for products they needed, in order to survive. This well-established port kept the economy booming and allowed the town’s inhabitants to flourish.

Alexandria Dates Back Thousands of Centuries

The city of Alexandria is old, and in fact, dates back thousands of centuries. There have been several different Native American artifacts that date back as much as 13,200 years ago. The land used to be inhabited solely by Native American tribes from the Conoy chiefdom. As early as 1600 A.D., there were people using this prosperous land for hunting and fishing.

The City is Full of Historical Sites

Alexandria is home to many different historical sites and events. These places include the Historic District, Fairlington, Rosemont, the Town of Potomac, Parkfairfax, and the Uptown/Parker-Gray National Register Historic District. A visit to any of these sites is sure to result in a rich history lesson.

The Alexandria Canal Was Important During the 1800s

From 1843 to 1866, the Alexandria Canal was an important physical location for the economy of the town. The canal ran from its terminal in Georgetown and carried across the Potomac River and then ran down the Virginia shore. It eventually descended by three lift locks and barges. The canal system was seven miles long in its entirety.

Turn of the Century

As 1900 advanced upon the city, they saw more types of goods to trade, such as wheat, beer, leather, and fertilizer. As time went on, well-known people came to town, including Gerald Ford and President Woodrow Wilson. Gerald Ford moved to Alexandria in 1955 and lived there during his term as Vice President of the United States.

Alexandria is a city rich in history, dating back hundreds and even thousands of years. A trip to Alexandria may be in order if you are interested in learning more about any of these facts.

Image via Pixabay

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