Alexandria was established in 1749 by a group of Scottish merchants and named for John Alexander, who had purchased the land in 1669. During the Revolutionary period Alexandria was one of the principal colonial ports, as well as a trade, social and political center.

George Washington maintained a townhouse in Alexandria. During his residence he organized the Friendship Fire Co., was elected vestryman of Christ Church Parish and was a member of the Masonic Lodge, becoming its Charter Master in 1788. Alexandria was also the home of "Light Horse" Harry Lee, Revolutionary War general, and the boyhood home of his some Robert E. Lee.

During the Civil War the city was captured and occupied by Federal forces, who used it as the base of operations for various Union campaigns in northern Virginia.