On This Day in Alexandria History — “On August 5, 1774, Alexandria’s first volunteer fire company was established as the Friendship Fire Company. Initially the company was provided space in the Market Square area, but over time, several moves ensued as the needs of the company grew. In 1855 the company moved to a new firehouse built on South Alfred Street, with was a tall pointed steeple that could be seen from miles away. During the Civil War the firehouse was neglected, and by 1871, the impact of wind and weather on the steeple was so devastating that the building was closed and rebuilt. The steeple was removed and replaced by the lower cupola still in place today.” [Historic Alexandria]
Inova Alexandria Hospital Ranked Among Top in Va. — Alexandria’s hospital ranked on the new 2026-2027 Best Hospitals ranking from U.S. News and World Report. This year, the report added regional specialized rankings for cancer, cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, orthopedics and rehabilitation. [Patch]
Old Town Townhouse Rental Comes with $11K Monthly Price Tag — “Just steps away from the Potomac River, this Old Town Alexandria rental blends historic charm with modern upgrades. With three bedrooms and two full and two half bathrooms across four levels, 303 S. Union St., Alexandria, reaches 3,058 square feet. Built in 1980, the all-brick corner residence features three fireplaces, an in-ground pool, and a private garage.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Estate Sale with Rare Collections at Historic Home — “Collectors, history lovers, and antique enthusiasts will soon have a rare opportunity in Old Town Alexandria. The Joe Reeder Estate Sale will open Aug. 20–23 at the historic Murray-Dick-Fawcett House. Over the four-day event, visitors can browse authentic antiques, artwork, home décor, and unusual collectibles gathered over a lifetime.” [The Zebra]
Next Duke Street Land Use Meeting Tonight — “Please join us on August 5th at 6:30 PM on Zoom for our next Community Meeting. We’ll provide an overview of the Working Draft Recommendations and host a Q&A session. Language interpretation in Spanish and Amharic will be available.” [City of Alexandria]
Sheriff’s Office Fall Community Academy Accepting Applications — “The community academy will begin on Saturday, September 19th, and runs for the next three Saturdays, concluding on October 10th. Each session will last approximately four hours. Community Academy is an amazing way to learn the ins and outs of the Sheriff’s Office. Classes are a combination of presentations and interactive activities. Class topics will include jail operations, judicial and special operations, civil process and warrant service, as well as inmate services and programs. Participants will tour the Adult Detention Center and Alexandria Courthouse, interact with Sheriff’s Office vehicles and equipment, participate in simulator training scenarios, and meet ASO K9 Aida!” [Alexandria Sheriff’s Office]
AWLA Starts Monthly Giving Program — “Join Paws for the Cause Club – our brand-new monthly giving program! 
Our goal is to welcome 100 new monthly donors by this time next year, and we’d love for you to be one of them.” [AWLA/Facebook]
Alexandria’s United Way Seeks Volunteers for Stuff the Bus — “United Way hosts an annual backpack-stuffing event for school. Volunteers who can lift boxes up to 30 lbs are needed on Friday, August 14.” [Volunteer Alexandria]
Triumphal Arch Could Disrupt Sightlines at Key Sites, Report Says — “President Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot-tall (76-meter) memorial arch could disrupt the historical significance of dozens of sites near its planned location, according to an assessment by the National Park Service.” [WTOP/AP]
New Water Report Has Implications for Data Center Development — “In compliance with legislation passed in March of 2024, scientists at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) studied the health of the largest aquifer in eastern Virginia. Their report concludes that the Potomac Aquifer can’t support any new industrial water withdrawals. That means no water-cooled data centers.” [Virginia Mercury]
It’s Wednesday — Expect showers and thunderstorms, especially before 3pm and again after 4pm, with mostly cloudy skies and a high of 87°F. Winds will be light, becoming south at 5 to 7 mph, and there’s a 60% chance of precipitation, with rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch possible. Wednesday night will have a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers until 2am, with a low around 74°F and a south wind at 6 mph. [NWS]
Support local journalism. Join the ALXnow Press Club to boost our reporting and to get upgraded newsletters.
