# Alexandria

> city in the state of Virginia, United States

**Wikidata**: [Q88](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q88)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria,_Virginia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alexandria-q88

## Summary

Alexandria is an independent city in the United States located in Virginia [1][2][1][2][1][2][3]. It was established on January 1, 1749 [4][2]. The official language is English .The head of government is Justin Wilson [5]. As of 2020, the population was 159k [6]. The city covers an area of 40.1 and has an elevation of 12 [7].Alexandria observes the Eastern Time Zone, which corresponds to UTC−05:00 and UTC−04:00 .

## Summary
Alexandria is an independent city in Virginia, United States, founded in 1749 and located on the Potomac River. It is a core component of the Washington metropolitan area, with a 2020 census population of 159,467. The city is known for its historic Old Town, high per capita income, and role as a suburban hub for the nation's capital.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Alexandria, Virginia (also City of Alexandria, Alexandria, VA)
- **Founded:** 1749; named after Philip Alexander Jr.
- **Administrative Status:** Independent city in the United States (since 1779); not part of any county.
- **Area:** 40.104859 square kilometres (preferred value, 2016); 2.8467% water (2010).
- **Population:** 159,467 (2020 census, preferred); grew from 139,966 (2010 census).
- **Coordinates:** 38.804722°N, 77.047222°W.
- **Elevation:** 12 metres (39 feet).
- **Location:** Part of Arlington–Alexandria–Reston metropolitan division and Washington metropolitan area; borders Arlington County, Washington, D.C., Fairfax County, and Prince George's County; on the Potomac River.
- **Government:** Mayor-council system; current mayor is Alyia Gaskins (since 2024).
- **Economy:** Per capita income $64,835 (2020, 2016–2020 ACS); 71,289 households (2020, ACS).
- **Timezone:** Eastern Time (UTC−05:00 standard, UTC−04:00 daylight saving).
- **ZIP Codes:** 22301–22315, plus specific codes for government agencies (e.g., 20598 for DHS) and P.O. boxes.
- **Dialing Codes:** 703 and 571.
- **Official Website:** alexandriava.gov (English).
- **Social Media:** Twitter/Facebook @AlexandriaVAGov; YouTube alexandriavagov.
- **International Relations:** Twinned with Gyumri (Armenia, since 1988), Dundee (Scotland, since 1993), Caen (France, since 1991), Helsingborg (Sweden).
- **Key Identifiers:** FIPS 51-01000 (place), 51510 (county-equivalent); GNIS 1498415 (independent city), 1492456 (settlement); Geonames 4744091; ISNI 0000000403908698; VIAF 244056863.

## FAQs
**When was Alexandria founded and why is it historically significant?**  
Founded in 1749 and named after Philip Alexander Jr., Alexandria is one of America's oldest ports. It served as a major colonial trading hub, was part of the District of Columbia from 1790 to 1846, and played notable roles in the Civil War and early American history.

**What is the current population and how has it changed over time?**  
The 2020 census counted 159,467 residents, up from 139,966 in 2010. Estimates show steady growth, with 153,511 in 2015 and 140,024 in 2007, reflecting its appeal as a Washington, D.C. suburb.

**What are the city's geographic boundaries and natural features?**  
Alexandria spans 40.1 km² on the Potomac River, with 2.85% water area. It borders Arlington County, Washington, D.C., Fairfax County, and Prince George's County, and sits at 38.8047°N, 77.0472°W with an elevation of 12 metres.

**How is Alexandria governed and who is the current mayor?**  
It operates under a mayor-council system as an independent city. Alyia Gaskins has been mayor since 2024, succeeding Justin Wilson (2019–2024) and Allison Silberberg (2016–2019).

**What are the ZIP codes and time zone?**  
Primary ZIP codes range from 22301 to 22315, with additional codes for specific government entities and P.O. boxes. The city observes Eastern Time (UTC−5 standard, UTC−4 daylight saving).

**Is Alexandria part of a larger metropolitan area?**  
Yes, it is a principal city in the Arlington–Alexandria–Reston metropolitan division and the broader Washington metropolitan area, linking it economically and culturally to the nation's capital.

**What international relationships does Alexandria maintain?**  
The city has four sister city partnerships: Gyumri, Armenia (1988); Dundee, Scotland (1993); Caen, France (1991); and Helsingborg, Sweden.

**How does Alexandria differ from other places named Alexandria?**  
It is an independent city in Virginia, distinct from Alexandria County (now Arlington County) and other global Alexandrias. Its unique status as a self-governing city and its specific historical trajectory set it apart.

**What is the economic profile of Alexandria?**  
Alexandria is affluent, with a 2020 per capita income of $64,835 and 71,289 households. Its economy is tied to government, professional services, and tourism, benefiting from proximity to Washington, D.C.

## Why It Matters
Alexandria matters as a historic port city that shaped early American commerce and governance, notably as part of the District of Columbia. Today, it is a critical node in the Washington metropolitan area, offering a blend of preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture and modern urban vitality. Its high per capita income and quality of life make it a model for suburban development, while its independent city status provides administrative flexibility. The city's international ties and cultural institutions contribute to its regional influence, and its role as a residential hub for federal employees and contractors underscores its economic importance to the national capital region.

## Notable For
- **Historic Port City:** Founded in 1749 as a major colonial tobacco port; retains a well-preserved historic district (Old Town).
- **Independent City Status:** One of Virginia's independent cities, not belonging to any county, since 1779.
- **Affluent Suburb:** High per capita income ($64,835) and significant household wealth within the Washington metro area.
- **District of Columbia Legacy:** Served as part of the federal district from 1790 to 1846 before retrocession to Virginia.
- **International Ties:** Four active sister city relationships spanning Armenia, Scotland, France, and Sweden.
- **Geographic Distinction:** Located directly on the Potomac River, bordering Washington, D.C., and three Virginia counties.
- **Cultural Diversity:** Recognized in over 80 Wikipedia language editions, reflecting global interest.
- **Administrative Autonomy:** Self-governing with its own mayor-council system and city services.

## Body

### History and Naming
Alexandria was founded in 1749 and named after Philip Alexander Jr., a prominent local landowner. It was incorporated as a city in 1779, establishing its independent municipal status. From 1790 to 1846, Alexandria was part of the District of Columbia, a period that ended with its retrocession to Virginia. The city's history is marked by its role as a bustling colonial port, a Civil War occupation site, and a center for the domestic slave trade before the Civil War. Its historic district, often called "Old Town," contains numerous 18th- and 19th-century buildings and is a key cultural asset.

### Geographic Location and Boundaries
Alexandria is situated at coordinates 38.804722°N, 77.047222°W in Northern Virginia. The city covers a total area of 40.104859 square kilometres, with 2.8467% being water (as of 2010). It lies on the western bank of the Potomac River, directly across from Washington, D.C. Alexandria shares borders with Arlington County to the north, Fairfax County to the west and south, and Prince George's County, Maryland, to the east across the river. The city's elevation is 12 metres (39 feet) above sea level. It is part of both the Arlington–Alexandria–Reston metropolitan division and the larger Washington metropolitan statistical area.

### Administrative Status and Government
Alexandria is an independent city in the United States, meaning it is not subordinate to any county government—a status it has held since 1779. The city operates under a mayor-council system. As of 2024, the mayor is Alyia Gaskins; previous mayors include Justin Wilson (2019–2024) and Allison Silberberg (2016–2019). The city maintains international relationships through four sister city agreements: Gyumri, Armenia (since 1988); Dundee, Scotland (since 1993); Caen, France (since 1991); and Helsingborg, Sweden. Official communications are managed via the website alexandriava.gov and social media channels on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube (@AlexandriaVAGov, alexandriavagov).

### Demographics and Population
Population data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows Alexandria's growth: 139,966 (2010 census), rising to 159,467 (2020 census, preferred value). Annual estimates indicate fluctuations: 140,024 (2007), 153,511 (2015). The 2020 American Community Survey (2016–2020) recorded 71,289 households. Economic indicators include a per capita income of $64,835 (2020, ACS 2016–2020). English is the official language. The city's demographic profile reflects its status as an educated, professional suburb of Washington, D.C.

### Infrastructure and Services
Alexandria observes the Eastern Time Zone, switching between UTC−05:00 (standard) and UTC−04:00 (daylight saving). The city is served by multiple ZIP codes: 22301–22315 cover most residential areas, while specific codes like 20598 (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) and P.O. box-only codes (22313, 22320, etc.) exist for specialized uses. Local dialing codes are 703 and 571. The city provides an open data portal for GIS and municipal data. Public services include the Alexandria City Public Schools system and various departments accessible through the official website.

### Cultural and International Relations
Alexandria is known by numerous aliases globally, including "City of Alexandria," "Alexandria, VA," and translations in Chinese (亞歷山卓), Russian (Александрия), French (Alexandria), and Spanish (Ciudad de Alexandria). Its historic Old Town is a major tourist attraction, featuring colonial-era architecture, shops, and restaurants. The city is featured in over 80 Wikipedia language editions, indicating broad international recognition. Sister city relationships with Gyumri, Dundee, Caen, and Helsingborg foster cultural exchanges and municipal cooperation.

### Identifiers and External References
Alexandria is catalogued in numerous global databases and library systems. Key identifiers include:
- **ISNI:** 0000000403908698
- **GND ID:** 4084929-6
- **VIAF ID:** 244056863
- **FIPS Codes:** 51-01000 (place), 51510 (county-equivalent)
- **GNIS Feature IDs:** 1498415 (independent city), 1492456 (settlement)
- **Geonames IDs:** 4744091 (settlement), 4744106 (city)
- **Library of Congress:** n79099306 (authority ID), classification F234.A3
- **WorldCat:** E39PBJppGyQhkXMPFGQj6PVBfq
- **OpenStreetMap:** Node 1979420355, Relation 206637
- **Other IDs:** Wikidata Q49298065, Freebase /m/013h9, and many more from national libraries and gazetteers.

### Economic and Social Indicators
Beyond per capita income and household counts, Alexandria's economy is bolstered by its proximity to federal agencies and contractors. The city's high income levels ($64,835 per capita) and educated workforce reflect its desirability. The 2020 census also provides demographic breakdowns not detailed here but available through official sources. The city's open data portal offers further economic and social datasets for researchers.

### Distinctions and Confusions
Alexandria is often confused with other places of the same name. The "different_from" property clarifies it is distinct from the ancient city in Egypt, other U.S. Alexandrias (e.g., in Minnesota), and historically from "Alexandria County," which became Arlington County in 1920. This distinction is crucial for geographic and administrative accuracy. The city's unique combination of independent status, historic preservation, and metropolitan integration sets it apart from both rural counties and typical suburbs.

## References

1. [Justin Wilson steps into mayoral office. 2019](https://alextimes.com/2019/01/justin-wilson/)
2. [Source](https://www.alexandriava.gov/city-council/person/mayor-alyia-gaskins)
3. Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names
4. Geographic Names Information System
5. Integrated Authority File
6. [Source](https://historyengine.richmond.edu/episodes/view/665)
7. [Source](https://www.alexandriava.gov/gis/info/default.aspx?id=61964)
8. [Source](http://www.helsingborg.se/startsida/kommun-och-politik/samarbete/)
9. Open ISNI for Organizations
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. BnF authorities
12. [Source](http://www.city-data.com/zipmaps/Alexandria-Virginia.html)
13. [Source](https://datausa.io/profile/geo/washington-arlington-alexandria-dc-va-md-wv-metro-area/#intro)
14. [Source](https://www.alexandriava.gov/historic/info/default.aspx?id=51210)
15. [Government Units. Geographic Names Information System](http://geonames.usgs.gov/docs/stategaz/GOVT_UNITS_20131208.zip)
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. Open Library
18. Czech National Authority Database
19. MusicBrainz
20. [Source](http://www.census.gov/popest/data/counties/totals/2013/files/CO-EST2013-Alldata.csv)
21. [Population Estimates Program](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html)
22. 2010 U.S. Gazetteer Files
23. [2010 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0100000US%241600000&y=2010&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29)
24. [2020 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Populations%20and%20People&g=0100000US,%241600000&y=2020)
25. [Library of Congress Linked Data Service](http://id.loc.gov/authorities/classification/F234.A3)
26. Who's On First
27. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Detailed%20Tables)
28. GeoNames
29. [History of Arlington](https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Topics/Welcome-Kit/History-of-Arlington)
30. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/usa.htm)
31. 2016 U.S. Gazetteer Files
32. Ballotpedia
33. BabelNet
34. Thomson Reuters Open Perm ID
35. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
36. Google News
37. YouTube API
38. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
39. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Alexandria;3867699.html)
40. iNaturalist
41. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Alexandria,_Virginia-E8JGRW)
42. Natural Atlas
43. Global Administrative Areas
44. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
45. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Income%20and%20Poverty&g=0100000US,%241600000&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1902)