From 1801-1847, Alexandria was part of Washington D.C. It was known as Alexandria, D.C. After the Residence Act passed in July 1790, the perimeter of Washington D.C. was surveyed and marked off with boundary stones. There was one stone every mile, 10 on each side and 40 total. The first boundary stones was half a mile south of the Fairfax County Courthouse, which was in Alexandria until 1800. The first boundary stone was placed in Alexandria in April 1791. It was the cornerstone of America’s cap

After the defeat at Fort Necessity, Washington’s regiment returned to Alexandria in disarray. Many soldiers deserted. The ones that remained were in poor spirits and lacked supplies. Despite the poor conditions, Washington was shocked to learn that Gov. Dinwiddie wanted him to launch another attack on the French at Fort Duquesne. From Alexandria, Washington wrote a lengthy and frustrated letter to his mentor and patron, Col. William Fairfax on August 11, 1754. In the letter, Washington explained