Alexandria’s history goes way back to1654 when Royal Governor Richard Bennet granted Lawyer Margaret Brent 700 acres of land to attract settlers to Alexandria. Since then Alexandria has taken part in the major events that mark the history of the United States. Its architecture reflects the city’s rich history and you will certainly want to have an idea of Alexandria before traveling. Some books that explore into the architecture and history of George Washington’s home town are:

- Historic Alexandria, Virginia, Street by Street: A Survey of Existing Early Buildings by Ethelyn Cox takes the reader to a visual tour with references to more than 500 architecturally diversified buildings.

- Alexandria, Virginia (Digging for the Past) by Pamela J.Cressey and Margaret Anderson and Historic homes and landmarks of Alexandria, Virginia by Mary Lindsey offer tons of historical information about historical buildings and neighborhoods.

- To get an idea of Alexandria’s rich maritime history, take a look at: Maritime Alexandria (Virginia): The Rise and Fall of an American Entrepôt by Donald Shomette, and A Seaport Saga: Portrait of Old Alexandria, Virginia by William Francis Smith.