Alexandria (Images of America)

Combs, George K.; Anderson, Leslie; Downie, Julia M.

ISBN 10: 0738592382 / ISBN 13: 9780738592381

Published by Arcadia Publishing, 2012

About this Item

Softcover. Large tear to rear wrap. Clean, unmarked pages. "The Images of American series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.".

Seller Inventory # 2401170062

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Alexandria (Images of America)
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
• Publication Date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0738592382
• ISBN 13: 9780738592381
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Very Good
• Weight: 11 ounces
• Seller catalogs:
  • Genealogy

About this title

Synopsis

Understanding the history of Alexandria, Virginia is key to the early history of the United States. This throrough overview examines its long and storied history, from former colonial tobacco port to vibrant modern community.

Alexandria has a long and storied past. Founded as a colonial tobacco port by English and Scottish merchants in 1749, the city prospered. It became the social and economic center of Northern Virginia and the upper Potomac region. When the nation's capital was established in 1791, Alexandria became a part of the District of Columbia. In 1833, a canal intended to increase tradeand revenue nearly bankrupted the city. By the time Alexandria retroceded to Virginia in 1847, it had lost its standing among maritime cities on the Eastern Seaboard. Notable residents have included politicians and military heroes, such as George Washington, Robert E. Lee, and Gerald R. Ford, as well as cultural icons Willard Scott and Jim Morrison. Today's Alexandria includes descendants of free and enslaved African Americans and the progeny of 18th- and 19th-century European immigrants who have joined with "new" Americans to create vibrant 21st-century communities.

About the Author

George K. Combs, Leslie Anderson, and Julia M. Downie are librarians in the Special Collections Branch of the Alexandria Library with over 30 years of combined research experience in local history, culture, and society. They used vintage photographs and original documents to show how a small colonial town grew into a modern city.