The history of Alexandria reads like a Who's Who of American History. George Washington, George Mason, and Robert E. Lee are just a few famous Americans who had a hand in the heritage of this city, In 1669, Scotsman John Alexander purchased the land of present-day Alexandria from an English ship captain for "six thousand pounds of Tobacco and Cask." Incorporated in 1749, Alexandria became a busy seaport filled with brigs, schooners, and ships of the line that traversed the high seas en route to England and the Caribbean. The streets were lined with substantial brick houses, and the "sound of the hammer and trowel were at work everywhere."

Modern Alexandria is a vibrant and diverse community. Its neighborhoods blend classic 18th and 19th Century architecture with modern culture. Every neighborhood in Alexandria is unique, but every area is alive with energy and excitement.  Spend some time exploring our neighborhoods and you'll see why Alexandria is consistently ranked as one the country's best places to live and work!