The Alexandria Public Library had a busy day Friday, receiving a Community Improve-ment Award from the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce and recognizing the donation of a large framed photograph of Daniel Alexander, founder of Alexandria.
Recognition was given to the library for their recent enhancements. On the inside of the building, damaged ceiling tiles were replaced and some of the walls were painted. On the exterior facade, the brick, drop box, and outdoor bench were all freshly painted.
A large framed photograph of Daniel Alexander was placed on permanent display at the Alexandria Public Library. It was recently donated by Alexander’s great great great grandson, Paul Randy Alexander, Jr. of Charlotte, North Carolina.
According to the DeKalb County historian Thomas G. Webb, Daniel Alexander – born Jan. 23, 1773 - moved to Tennessee after his marriage in North Carolina to his cousin Sarah (Sallie) Alexander. Naming the town after himself, Alexandria is the second-oldest town in DeKalb County.
The couple built and operated a log tavern and inn for several years located on Walton Road near present-day Algood. By 1806 he owned a large tract of land on Hickman Creek in Smith County and in April of 1820 divided the land into 24 lots reserving three for himself with a natural spring that is still running today. The business district is located on Alexander’s original lots. Alexander later moved to Rutherford County where he died on Oct. 20, 1857. He and his wife are buried near Christiana, TN.
Alexandria grew rapidly, and by 1850 it was the largest town in DeKalb County as well as the wealthiest. This remained true until well after 1900, and was due largely to the efforts of the early citizens. Among the early leaders were J.M. Baird, William Floyd, James Goodner and Dr. T.J. Sneed. This group was equal to any present-day chamber of commerce in their drive to achieve things for the town. Alexandria citizens were leaders in establishing the Lebanon-Sparta turnpike in 1838 and in the 1850s they chartered two more turnpikes – one in Lancaster and one to Rome in Smith County. In the same decade they established two excellent schools in Alexandria, one for young men and one for young ladies.
In April of 1856 they organized the DeKalb County Agricultural land Mechanical Society and in October they held the first DeKalb County Fair. The fair is still being held at Alexandria each year and is for many citizens still one of the biggest events of the year.
On hand to celebrate both were Alexandria Mayor Bennett Armstrong, Suzanne Williams, director of DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, historian Tommy Webb, regional library director Kathy Hendrixson, Jan Thomas, Betty Pankey, Amanda Bain, Linda Burgess and Sue Corley.