On This Day: Lafayette’s Triumphant Alexandria Visit — On this day in 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette made a triumphant entrance into Alexandria as part of his celebrated “Grand Tour of America,” marking one of the most memorable moments in the young city’s history. The Revolutionary War hero was greeted with cannon salutes, a grand procession through the streets in a four-horse carriage, and crowds of cheering residents—with women waving handkerchiefs from windows along Columbus, King, Fayette, and Washington Streets. The highlight came when Lafayette passed through a Grand Arch on King Street and was met by 200 children, aged seven to twelve, lining his path to a reception at Clagett’s Tavern, where Mayor Roberts delivered a warm welcome on behalf of the city. Lafayette stayed at 301 South St. Asaph Street during his extended visit to Alexandria, cementing the occasion as a social high point for the nation he had fought so passionately to establish. [Historic Alexandria]
Masked Trio Attempts Home Break-In — A terrifying late-night encounter was caught on camera in Alexandria. Disturbing doorbell camera footage shows a group of three people wearing Halloween masks trying to break into an Alexandria home, with one suspect heard yelling “Open the door!” during the attempted break-in. [WUSA9]
