Original Washington

23 May, 2006 in art pottery by admin

Original Washington

18th Century Charm; Just a Stone’s Throw From Washington D.c

Even though it's only six miles from downtown Washington, the independent city of Alexandria possesses a charm that starkly contrasts the nation’s bustling Capital. Populated mainly by professionals working in DC, the downtown area of Alexandria is known as the ‘Old Town’ and features many original buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries; attracting visitors with a love of American history in their droves.

First settled in 1695, the town of Alexandria was named in honour of the Alexander family who donated the land on which the city is built. Incorporated in 1779, many of the city’s original buildings still stand today providing a beautiful historic backdrop to its illustrious metropolitan neighbour. Alexandria is home to the George Washington Masonic Temple – which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2010 - and also boasts some of the finest waterfront scenery in the north-eastern USA.

Because of its proximity to Washington DC and as it is one of the USA’s oldest settlements, the city has witnessed its fair share of historical events. During the War of 1812 British sailors looted Alexandria of flour, wine, tobacco and cotton after it had surrendered without a fight; the looting being a condition of the bloodless coup. There is also a less dubious claim to fame for the city; for eight years during the 1820s it played a pivotal part in the slave trade when the Franklin and Armfield slave market - one of the largest in the USA - was the distribution point for many slaves to Mississippi. The human trading was ended when the market became a prison under occupation by the Union troops in 1830.

Modern-day Alexandria is now home to the US Patent and Trademark office and many of the city’s residents work for the US defence department - the city’s biggest employer. They, like visitors to the city, enjoy easy access to downtown Washington DC and its many attractions via the King Street Metro station. For those wishing to drive around the DC area, it is also easily accessible from Alexandria via I-95.

Despite its historic roots Alexandria still has a modern outlook. It was one of the first cities of its size in the USA to provide free internet access to its residents and visitors, meaning that a stay at a hotel in Alexandria is almost guaranteed to come with free wi-fi.

It is the heady mix of undeniable historical charm and ultra-modern living that attracts many visitors to Alexandria; and with Washington DC so close by its possible to get two fantastic vacations for the price of one.

About the Author

Adam Singleton is an online freelance journalist from Scotland. His hobbies include travelling and hiking.

What are the statute of limitations in Washington State for money owed by an individual for utility bill?

This bill is from another state where we have not been for 3 and 1/2 years. Nothing has ever been done with it on credit report except to continue to list it. It is being listed by a collection agency, not the original creditor. Nothing has ever been added to the original amount and I believe the amount was paid as the result of the sale of the house it would have been attached to. Credit report states it will be removed as of Jan. 2010. Should we just leave it alone and ignore it?

First, you need to find out from the original creditor if the lien was indeed cleared in the house sale. A lien is a court matter and DOES stay on the record for ten years, although once paid, the credit record should say that the debt has $0 owing (the debt WILL still be on the record). Your credit record lets potential credit lenders view how you handle financial matters. The fact that you left a bill unpaid and it led to a lien that was cleared by a property sale is pertinent financial information about you. Paying a bill does not mean that it disappears from your credit, only that the former debt should reflect a zero balance. If you have proof that the debt is paid and provide the proof to the reporting agency, they are obligated to correct what they have reported. If this does not happen, then you may write to the company making the report (Experian,etc) and dispute the debt, providing proof to support your claim.

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