Alexandria – Petition Jobs

Alexandria is an historic city located in Northern Virginia along the western bank of the Potomac River, just south of Washington, D.C. With a population of over 160,000, Alexandria is the seventh-largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

History of Alexandria

Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants. It was named after John Alexander, one of the original land owners. During the 18th century, Alexandria was an important port city and was home to George Washington. Historic sites such as the Carlyle House and Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site allow visitors to experience Alexandria’s colonial history.

Population

According to the latest census data, Alexandria has a population of 160,035 as of 2021. It is the seventh-largest city in Virginia. The population density is 9,498 people per square mile. Alexandria saw rapid population growth in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, but growth has slowed in recent years.

Economy and Major Employers

Alexandria has a strong professional and business services sector. Many residents commute into nearby Washington, D.C. for work. Major private employers in Alexandria include Inova Health System, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Giant Food Stores. The U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Defense, and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office are major public sector employers.

Alexandria’s high quality of life, educated workforce, and proximity to Washington, D.C. attracts many federal contracting and consulting firms. The city also benefits from heritage tourism related to its history and historic architecture.

Attractions and Landmarks

As one of the oldest communities in America, Alexandria is home to many historic landmarks. The Old Town Alexandria Historic District features cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial offers panoramic views from its 333-foot tall tower.

Outdoor attractions include the Mount Vernon Trail along the Potomac River waterfront and the Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, which was once part of the defensive system protecting Washington, D.C. during the Civil War.

Sports Teams

Alexandria is home to the Alexandria Aces, a collegiate summer baseball team that plays in the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League. The Aces play at Frank Mann Field at Jefferson Houston School Stadium.

The Potomac Nationals minor league baseball team played in Alexandria until 2020, after which they relocated to Fredericksburg, Virginia. The P-Nats played at Northwest Federal Field at Pfitzner Stadium from 1984-2019.

Tourism

With its historic sites, boutique shops, restaurants, arts scene, and waterfront parks, Alexandria is a popular tourism destination in the D.C. area. More than 3.5 million people visit Alexandria each year. Visitors can learn about Alexandria’s history at museums like the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum or take a guided ghost or history walking tour.

The city hosts community events year-round, including the George Washington Birthday Parade in February, the Alexandria Jazz Festival in June, and the King Street Art Festival in August. Waterfront parks, walking paths, shops, restaurants, art galleries, and historic sites make Alexandria a unique travel destination.