Explore Alexandria’s History

Read a brief history of Alexandria and find more about our history on the Historic Alexandria website and elsewhere on the internet.
Page updated on October 29, 2026 at 11:19 AM
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View the Timeline here or visit the sign on the Alexandria Waterfront, at the Torpedo Factory Art Center arcade. 

A plan of Alexandria 1749

A Brief History

Out of the Attic article, Alexandria Times

Online Resources

Alexandria Library, Local History/Special Collections

Conducting Your Own Historic Research

Black and white print "Alexandria Library, Alexandria VA"

History of the City's Museums

A black and white photo of a row of dark cars with POLICE written on the front of them in white letters, parked outside of a brick building.

History of City Services

Two people speaking into recording microphones

The Alexandria Oral History Center