Alexandria was established in 1749 and was a major east coast seaport until after the Civil War. Today the tree-shaded, cobblestone and brick sidewalks of Old Town reflect the history of the city’s 18th and 19th century past. An abundance of shops, galleries and restaurants provide diversion for a wide variety of tastes. The first stop for any visitor must be the Alexandria Visitors Center in Ramsey House at 221 King Street. Other must see historic properties are Gadsby’s Tavern (still an operating restaurant), Carlyle House, Robert E. Lee’s boyhood home and the Lee-Fendall House. A visit should be made, too, to Christ Church, where the pews reserved for George Washington and Robert E. Lee are marked. For the art lover, the number of galleries spread throughout Old Town will be a treasure. The Torpedo Factory Art Center, founded in 1974, is a site where local artists work, display and sell their art. Other activities that residents enjoy are the many ethnic festivals held throughout the year that celebrate the diversity of the population in the Alexandria area. Scheduled parades including those for Washington’s birthday, St. Patrick’s Day and the Christmas parade (called The Scottish Walk to acknowledge the heritage of the founders of Alexandria) are major attractions. While significant development has taken place in Alexandria in recent years, the city’s planning and zoning offices are ever vigilant to assure that the character of this historic city is maintained. Some links of interest to those living in or contemplating a move to Alexandria: The City of Alexandria Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Housing The selection of housing in the Alexandria area is probably more diverse than in any other area of the country. A house for any taste can surely be found from a modest to a luxury condo apartment; small townhouses for the purchaser of modest means to the five-level, elevator waterfront townhouses; detached houses in the Mount Vernon area or the neighborhoods in the city west of Old Town; and new townhouses and detached houses being built or ready for occupancy. Transportation Subway (called “Metro”) -- Alexandria is served by both the yellow and blue lines for ready access to National Airport, the Pentagon, Crystal City and downtown Washington, DC. Virginia Railway Express -- VRE is a commuter rail service from Fredericksburg and from Manassas, VA to Washington’s Union Station. Stops along the way include Alexandria’s railroad station, which adjoins the King Street Metro Station. Amtrak -- Alexandria’s Union Station is a stop on the Amtrak line. Metrobus -- Washington’s bus system serves the Northern Virginia area. Dash -- Local Alexandria bus service serves many city neighborhoods and connects to the Metro stations. Schools Real Estate Agents are prohibited by Fair Housing Laws from recommending specific schools. Knowing that this is a consideration to those buying homes, I’m providing the following links to school information: Public : Alexandria - Fairfax City - Fairfax County - Falls Church - Arlington County Private: VA Association of Independent Schools Click here to download Polly Shaw's VCard contact information (MAY NOT DISPLAY CORRECTLY IN NETSCAPE)