In 1789, the state of Virginia ceded a portion of Fairfax County and Alexandria to form part of the new 10-square-mile District of Columbia. For thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans and the founding of Alexandria in 1749, Indigenous peoples and Indians of Virginia lived and traveled through the lands that would become the city. By the end of the Civil War, Alexandria's economy was in shambles, but the city itself had not suffered the destruction that many other places in Virginia had witnessed. A few days after Virginia's secession from the Union in 1861, federal troops arrived in Alexandria to take possession of the city.
Formally accepted by Congress in 1801, Alexandria remained under the auspices of the new federal government until it was returned to Virginia in 1847. Since then, Alexandria has undergone an incredible transformation. Over the past decade, the city has seen a dramatic shift in its infrastructure. Residents now pay stormwater use rates in Richmond, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Chesapeake, Newport News, Lynchburg, Roanoke and Alexandria. The city has also seen an increase in public transportation options and improved access to healthcare services.
Additionally, Alexandria has become a hub for technology and innovation with numerous startups and tech companies setting up shop in the area. The city has also made significant strides in sustainability initiatives. In recent years, Alexandria has implemented a number of green initiatives such as energy efficiency programs and renewable energy projects. The city has also invested heavily in green infrastructure projects such as green roofs and rain gardens to reduce stormwater runoff. These efforts have helped to reduce air pollution and improve water quality. Alexandria's infrastructure has come a long way over the past decade.
From improved public transportation options to increased access to healthcare services and sustainability initiatives, the city has seen a dramatic shift in its infrastructure. With continued investment in green infrastructure projects and other initiatives, Alexandria is well-positioned to continue its transformation into a modern and vibrant city.
