Alexandria, Virginia (Population 128, 283 in 2000) was named the number one City in the Ladies Home Journal's "Top 10 List of America's Best Cities for Women". This historic, waterfront community with a thriving economic base, low-crime rate, and great schools considers itself "The Fun Side of The Potomac.

With low unemployment, affordable housing, excellent educational facilities, plentiful job opportunities, quality health and child-care resources, and community life, Alexandria has also been named a "Kid Friendly Community". Alexandria's largest private employers are the famed Alexandria Hospital, the Institute for Defense Analysis, Boat Owners Assoc. of the U.S, and the Public Broadcasting System, while the public sector provides employment through the U.S. Department of Defense, the City of Alexandria, Alexandria Public Schools, WMATA , Northern Virginia Community College, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Postal Service. The median family income in 2000 was $78,849.

Alexandria's pleasant lifestyle includes cobblestone streets, 18th and 19th century architecture, unique specialty shops and restaurants throughout historic Old Town, antique shops and art galleries, and waterfront parks, as well as an abundance of cultural activities. Events (listed on Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association) are held throughout the year highlighting Alexandria's historic and cultural heritage.

"Capitol Steps" is headquartered in Alexandria, Va.. Heard four times a year on National Public Radio on "Politics Takes a Holiday" specials, Capitol Steps has just released its new album "PAPA'S GOT A BRAND NEW BAGHDAD - Songs of 2004". This is the 24th album since 1984.

The Little Theater of Alexandria, the West End Dinner Theater, The Torpedo Factory Art Center, Old Town Theater, Fort Ward, Alexandria Archaeology Museum, and West End Children's Theatre are just a few of the entertainments and activities offered. The list of After school activities for children is varied and interesting in this family oriented metropolitan area.

Alexandria's 15.75 square miles of colonial charm includes 944.2 acres of Public Parks & Open Space. Quiet nature walks and picnics are made all the more enjoyable by being minutes away from Washington's majestic monuments.

In 1608, Captain John Smith found this area populated by native American Indians. From its purchase by Scotsman John Alexander in 1669 for "six thousand pounds of Tobacco and Cask", the history of Alexandria is rich, significant, and studded with names such as George Washington, George Mason, and Robert E. Lee. A hotbed city during Revolutionary times, Alexandria was occupied by British during the invasion of the Capital by water in 1814. Alexandria holds the record for the longest occupied territory of the Civil War (by the Union Army - Alexandria was a Confederate city).

For more about African American History in Alexandria, "from slavery to freedom, from freedom to equality, and from equality to integration", stop by the Ramsay House Visitors Center for a free copy of "A Remarkable and Courageous Journey."