Formally accepted by Congress in 1801, Alexandria remained under the aegis of the new federal government until it was retroceded to Virginia in 1847. In 1852, it acquired city status and gained a new charter. At the time of the Revolution, Alexandria was one of the principal colonial trading centers and ports. Alexandria's political, social, and commercial interests were of great importance to many local residents, especially to neighboring George Washington in Mount Vernon. Washington maintained a town house here and served as a Trustee of Alexandria.
Records reveal that Washington had numerous social and business connections to the town.
From their earliest days, Alexandrians have known war. George Washington drilled militia troops at Market Square in 1754, and the town served as a supply and hospital center during the Revolutionary conflict. English General Braddock made his headquarters in Alexandria and occupied the Carlyle House while planning his campaign against the French in 1755. Captured and held for ransom by the British during the War of 1812, Alexandria's warehouses were plundered by the enemy. Robert lived here until his departure for West Point in June.