Alexandria’s West End: A History of Growth and Change
Alexandria’s West End is a vibrant and ever-evolving community, with a diverse range of residents and businesses. It is also a community with a rich history, dating back to the days when it was a small community outside of the city limits.
In the early days, the West End was known as Cameron and was dotted with flour mills, a tavern, and homes. It was connected to the port businesses of Alexandria and settlers further west by roads such as Little River Turnpike and Duke Street.
In the 1780s, the West family, successful business owners, began selling plots of their plantation to business owners, helping to grow the community of Cameron. In 1796, John West subdivided his land into streets and called the subdivision West End. Homes were built, families and more businesses moved in, and the West End began to take shape as its own unique community.
Over the next 100 years, the West End became home to a variety of businesses, including butchers, millers, restaurants, and breweries. It also became a home for industry, with Southern Railway building and operating a railroad car repair facility in Cameron Yards.
In 1915, Cameron was annexed into Alexandria, but the name West End persevered. Today, the businesses of the West End are the backbone of the community, flourishing and growing. WEBA is proud to represent these businesses.
