Alexandria

Alexandria is located adjacent to Washington D.C. across the Virginia state line, along Interstate 95 on the banks of the Potomac River in the Eastern Region of the state. The city covers nearly 16 square miles at an average elevation of 30 feet above sea level. The average January temperature is 35.6 degrees and the average in July is 78.7 degrees.

Although integral to the Washington metro area, Alexandria is a major city with its own rich history. In 1749, Alexandria was established by the Virginia General Assembly; it was named after the Alexanders, who owned the land. Alexandria was the hometown of George Washington. Residents enjoyed Washington's involvement with the city and grieved over his death at Mount Vernon in 1799. In 1852, Alexandria was chartered as a city. The city was occupied by Union troops in 1861, 41 days after Ft. Sumter, S.C., fell to Confederate forces.

Alexandria is part of the Washington metro area.