Alexandria, Virginia is a beautiful, historic city that beckons for people to get outdoors and stroll through the history-rich streets throughout the area. Alexandria is a welcoming community that offers a glimpse into a time from long ago, as well as a thriving, modern-day atmosphere that celebrates simplicity and character.
Whether you are new to the area or have been here for many years, or if you are just traveling through the region, then you may find Alexandria to be a community that is full of hidden gems and interesting facts. If you would like to skim through some interesting things that you may, or may not, already know about Alexandria, then please continue reading below. Some of the ideas that you will see may surprise you.
- Alexandria was named after a man named John Alexander. John Alexander purchased the area from a man named Robert Howson, for the amazing price of 6,000 pounds of tobacco.
- The largest employer in the Alexandria area is the United States Department of Defense. This is the country’s largest and oldest government agency.
- Alexandria is a very walkable city, which perhaps led to the interesting fact that the Forbes’ magazine dubbed the city as the “Ice Cream Cone Capital of the United States”. This award was announced to the city of Alexandria in 2019. Local establishments, as well as chain ice cream stores, can be found throughout Alexandria.
- A young George Washington helped to design the streets in the current “Old Town Alexandria” area. Much of Washington’s childhood was spent in the Alexandria vicinity.
- George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, is located just south of Alexandria city limits.
- In 1830, a man named John Hollensbury built a tiny home in an alleyway, as a means to keep people and animals from meandering between the adjacent buildings. This small house was called The Spite House. It measures 7 feet in width and is 325 total square feet. It still stands today and is a privately-owned residence.
- Alexandria is a very dog-friendly community. In fact, the city has approximately 18 dog parks available to residents and visitors, alike. Over the years, Alexandria has been known as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the entire country.
- The Chinquapin Park Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility is the city’s largest recreational complex. It offers an indoor swimming and diving pool, basketball courts, tennis courts, nature and hiking trails, a fitness center, and so much more.
- The City of Alexandria operates more than 900 acres of city parks and open spaces that are available to the public.
- Gadsby’s Tavern, which was built around 1785, was a frequent stop for some of our country’s founding fathers, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The tavern is still open today and serves as a museum for the Alexandria area.
Alexandria, Virginia is a historically-rich community. Whether you have just a couple of days to explore the area, or if you live in the region, you can always find interesting things to see, do, and learn about this iconic, beautiful destination. It is a true gem of a city.
Alexandria, Virginia is a beautiful, historic city that beckons for people to get outdoors and stroll through the history-rich streets throughout the area. Alexandria is a welcoming community that offers a glimpse into a time from long ago, as well as a thriving, modern-day atmosphere that celebrates simplicity and character.
Whether you are new to the area or have been here for many years, or if you are just traveling through the region, then you may find Alexandria to be a community that is full of hidden gems and interesting facts. If you would like to skim through some interesting things that you may, or may not, already know about Alexandria, then please continue reading below. Some of the ideas that you will see may surprise you.
Alexandria, Virginia is a historically-rich community. Whether you have just a couple of days to explore the area, or if you live in the region, you can always find interesting things to see, do, and learn about this iconic, beautiful destination. It is a true gem of a city.