"Formally established as a town in 1749, Alexandria, Virginia grew from a small tobacco trading post into the economic, socio-political and ecclesiastical epicenter of Northern Virginia. Its population nearly doubled from 2,700 inhabitants in 1790 to 4,900 souls in 1800. Its harbor was filled with brigs, schooners and ships of the line which traversed the high seas and engaged in international and coastwise trade. The streets were lined with substantial brick houses and the 'sound of the hammer and trowel were at work every where...' In 1796, a visitor, the Duc de La Rouce Foucauld commented that: 'Alexandria is beyond all comparison the handsomest town in Virginia - indeed is among the finest in the United States.' "Besides its commercial and maritime importance, Alexandria was a center of early church activity. Scottish merchants and factors brought with them the Presbyterian faith and a meeting house was erected on South Fairfax street in 1772. The Protestant Episcopal Church functioned as the official state church of Virginia until it was disestablished in 1784. As early as the mid-1760's the Episcopalians had erected a 'Chapel of Ease' near Princess and Royal streets. The early church then fell into a state of disrepair and James Parsons and John Carlyle were hired by the vestry to construct a substantial new one at the head of Cameron street. Finished in 1773, Christ Church continues to serve the parish and the Alexandria community." This book contains a transcribed list of Minister Returns (1801-1853) and Marriage Bonds (1801-1852). Entries for both sections are arranged alphabetically by the groom's surname. Minister Return entries include the full names of groom and bride, the date and the minister who performed the ceremony. The Marriage Bond entries include the full names of the groom and bride, date, and full names of Bondsmen. A full-name index completes this work.
