The Story
Alexandria's waterfront is a picture-perfect spot to unwind, but beneath this tranquility lies humble beginnings.
In the 1700s, Alexandria grew from a small tobacco warehouse to one of the ten busiest ports in the United States.
The Industrial Revolution connected Alexandria's docks to markets far inland, with coal barges powering the new steamships, trains, and factories.
The Civil War threatened Alexandria's prosperity, but its strategic location turned it into a crucial military hub, with troops and supplies passing through its docks.
During World War I, Alexandria quickly shifted to wartime production, building warships and planes along the Potomac River.
"The Torpedo Factory, built in 1918, was one of only three in the nation to produce torpedoes for the Navy, playing a key role in both World Wars."
After World War II, as small ports like Alexandria became obsolete, the city reinvented itself, preserving its history while creating parks and recreational areas.
Today, Alexandria's waterfront blends history and modern charm, a testament to the city's resilience and success.
