Editing Alexandria, Louisiana

{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Alexandria, Louisiana
| settlement_type    = [[List of municipalities in Louisiana|City]]
| image_skyline      = Downtown Third Street in Alexandria, LA IMG 4316.JPG
| imagesize          = 250px
| image_caption      = Downtown
| image_flag         = Flag of Alexandria, Louisiana.png
| image_seal         = Seal of Alexandria, Louisiana.png
| seal_type          = Seal
| nickname           = Alex (typically pronounced Ellic)
| image_map          = File:Rapides Parish Louisiana Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Alexandria Highlighted.svg
| map_caption        = Location of Alexandria in Rapides Parish, Louisiana.
| pushpin_map        = Louisiana#USA
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Louisiana##Location in the United States
| pushpin_relief     = yes
| pushpin_label      = Alexandria
<!-- Location ------>| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = [[United States]]
| subdivision_type1  = State
| subdivision_name1  = [[Louisiana]]
| subdivision_type2  = Parish
| subdivision_name2  = [[Rapides Parish, Louisiana|Rapides]]
| subdivision_type3  = District
| subdivision_name3  = <!-- Government -->
| government_footnotes = 
| government_type    = 
| leader_party       = 
| leader_title       = Mayor
| leader_name        = [[Jacques Roy (mayor)|Jacques Roy]]
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date   = {{Start date and age|1785|p=fy}}
| established_title1 = Incorporated (town)
| established_date1  = {{Start date and age|1818|p=fy}}
| established_title2 = City Charter
| established_date2  = {{Start date and age|1882|p=fy}}
<!-- Area ------->| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_22.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=March 20, 2022}}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 75.58
| area_land_km2      = 73.79
| area_water_km2     = 1.79
| area_total_sq_mi   = 29.18
| area_land_sq_mi    = 28.49
| area_water_sq_mi   = 0.69
<!-- Population ------->| population_footnotes = 
| population_total   = 45275
| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_density_sq_mi = 1589.10
| population_density_km2 = 613.56
| population_metro   = 153922
| population_rank    = [[Rapides Parish, Louisiana#Communities|RA]]: 1st<br />[[List of municipalities in Louisiana|LA]]: 9th
<!-- General information -->| timezone1          = [[North American Central Time Zone|CST]]
| utc_offset1        = &minus;6
| timezone1_DST      = [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]]
| utc_offset1_DST    = &minus;5
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft       = 82
| coordinates        = {{coord|31|17|30|N|92|28|12|W|display=inline,title}}
<!-- Area/postal codes and others -->| postal_code_type   = ZIP codes
| postal_code        = 71301-03, 06–07, 09, 11, 15
| area_code_type     = 
| area_code          = [[Area code 318|318]]
| blank_name_sec1    = Phone Number Prefixes
| blank_info_sec1    = 201, 290, 308, 318, 420, 427, 441–443, 445, 448, 449, 473, 483, 484, 487, 542, 561, 619, 767, 769, 787, 880
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 22-00975
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 2403079<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2403079}}</ref>
| website            = {{URL|http://www.cityofalexandriala.com}}
}}
[[File:Alexandria Welcome Sign.JPG|thumb|Alexandria Welcome Sign on [[Louisiana Highway 28]] West.]]

[[File:Rotary Club clock (1916) with Alexandria City Hall in background IMG 4314.JPG|200px|right|thumb|[[Rotary International]] Clock (1916), with Alexandria City Hall (constructed 1963) in the background]]

'''Alexandria''' is the ninth-largest [[city]] in the state of [[Louisiana]] and is the [[parish seat]] and largest city of [[Rapides Parish, Louisiana|Rapides Parish]], [[Louisiana]], United States.<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 |df=mdy }}</ref> It lies on the south bank of the [[Red River of the South|Red River]] in almost the exact geographic center of the state. It is the principal city of the [[Alexandria metropolitan area, Louisiana|Alexandria metropolitan area]] (population 153,922) which encompasses all of Rapides and [[Grant Parish, Louisiana|Grant]] parishes. Its neighboring city is [[Pineville, Louisiana|Pineville]]. In 2010, the population was 47,723, an increase of 3 percent from the 2000 census.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/22/2250885.html |title=2010 Census |publisher=quickfacts.census.gov |access-date=April 27, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107152146/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/22/2250885.html |archive-date=January 7, 2012 }}</ref>

== History ==
[[File:Louisiana - Alexandria - NARA - 23940345 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Aerial view, 1945]]
Located along the Red River, the city of Alexandria was originally home to a community which supported activities of the adjacent French trader outpost of ''Post du Rapides''. The area developed as an assemblage of traders, [[Caddo people]], and merchants in the agricultural lands bordering the mostly unsettled areas to the north and providing a link from the south to the [[Old San Antonio Road|El Camino Real]] and then larger settlement of [[Natchitoches, Louisiana|Natchitoches]], the oldest permanent settlement in the [[Louisiana Purchase]].

[[Alexander Fulton (Louisiana)|Alexander Fulton]], a [[business]]man from [[Washington County, Pennsylvania|Washington County]], near [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]], received a land grant from Spain in 1762, and the first organized settlement was made at some point in the 1780s. In 1805, Fulton and business partner Thomas Harris Maddox laid out the town plan and named the town in Fulton's honor.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fulton, Alexander|url=http://www.lahistory.org/site23.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301054203/http://www.lahistory.org/site23.php|archive-date=March 1, 2010|website=Louisiana Historical Association|publisher=|accessdate=October 9, 2010}}</ref> The earliest deed that survives for an Alexandria resident is from June 24, 1801, when a William Cochren, who identifies himself as "Slave master of the Southern Americas", sold a tract of land across the Red River to a William Murrey.<ref>[Louisiana State Land Office, Historical Records, Sales Documents, South Western District, Sales Letters, 39]</ref>

That same year, Fulton was appointed [[coroner]] in Rapides Parish by [[Louisiana Territory|territorial]] [[governor of Louisiana|Governor]] [[William C.C. Claiborne]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lahistory.org/site23.php|title=Fulton, Alexander|publisher=lahistory.org (Louisiana Historical Association)|access-date=October 9, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923115526/http://lahistory.org/site23.php|archive-date=September 23, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Alexandria was incorporated as a town in 1818 and received a [[city charter]] in 1832.<ref name="citysite">{{cite web| url = http://cityofalexandriala.com/community/coahistory/government.htm| title = Community| access-date = August 28, 2007| archive-date = January 5, 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100105013030/http://cityofalexandriala.com/community/coahistory/government.htm| url-status = dead}}</ref>

In 1942, Alexandria was the site of the Lee Street Riot,<ref>Simpson, William M. "A Tale Untold? The Alexandria, Louisiana, Lee Street Riot (January 10, 1942)." Louisiana History: ''The Journal of the Louisiana Historical Association'' 35, no. 2 (1994): 133-149.</ref> an incident of [[racial violence]] that occurred between mostly civilians and military police. Witnesses state that as many as 20 people may have been killed, however the official report indicates that 3 soldiers were critically injured, and does not mention any deaths.<ref>{{Cite web |last=jsmilie |date=2021-02-26 |title=City Erects Marker Recognizing Lee Street Riot of 1942 |url=https://www.cityofalexandriala.com/press-release/city-erects-marker-recognizing-lee-street-riot-1942 |access-date=2022-03-25 |website=City of Alexandria, LA |language=en}}</ref>

== Geography and climate ==

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|27.0|sqmi|km2|1}}, of which 26.4 square miles (68.4&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) is land and 0.6 square mile (1.5&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) (2.15%) is water.

[[File:Bayou Rapides in Alexandria, LA IMG 1082.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Trees are reflected in Bayou Rapides east of MacArthur Drive in Alexandria]]
[[File:AlexandriaRitaDamage.jpg|thumb|200px|Alexandria gas station awning damaged by [[Hurricane Rita]]]]
Alexandria is on a level plain in the center of the Louisiana [[Longleaf Pine]] [[forest]]s, in which pine is interspersed with various [[hardwood]]s. A number of small [[bayou]]s, such as Bayou Rapides, Bayou Robert, and Hynson Bayou, meander throughout the city. In the immediate vicinity of the city, [[cotton]], [[sugar]], [[alfalfa]], and garden vegetables are cultivated.

The climate is [[humid subtropical]] with some continental influence in the winter. Summers are consistently hot and humid, whereas winters are mild, with occasional cold snaps. On average, the first freeze occurs in early to mid November and the last freeze occurs in early to mid March. The area receives plentiful rainfall year-round, with thunderstorms possible throughout the year. Some storms can be severe, especially during the spring months. According to 'Cities Ranked and Rated' (Bert Sperling and Peter Sander), Alexandria reports an average of 69 days per year with thunder reported, which is nearly double the national average. Snowfall is rare, with measurable snow having occurred 27 times since 1895. The heaviest snowfall event took place February 12–13, 1960, when 9.1" of snow fell.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lch/?n=climate| title = Reference |website=Srh.noaa.gov}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lch/?n=snowclimo| title = Reference |website=Srh.noaa.gov}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lch/?n=e0124-2814| title = Reference |website=Srh.noaa.gov}}</ref>

Tropical storms and hurricanes affect Alexandria from time to time, but rarely cause severe damage, unlike areas closer to the coast. In September 2005, [[Hurricane Rita]] moved inland and affected Alexandria and surrounding areas, causing widespread power outages and damaging the roofs of some structures. The most recent hurricane, [[Hurricane Gustav|Gustav]] in 2008, caused widespread flooding, knocked over trees and power lines leading to power outages, and damaged structures. Some low-lying Alexandria neighborhoods had substantial flooding from Gustav, leaving several feet of water in houses.

{{Weather box 
| width = auto
| location = Alexandria, Louisiana (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1892–present)
| single line = Y
| collapsed = Y
| Jan record high F = 87
| Feb record high F = 88
| Mar record high F = 93
| Apr record high F = 98
| May record high F = 99
| Jun record high F = 106
| Jul record high F = 109
| Aug record high F = 110
| Sep record high F = 109
| Oct record high F = 98
| Nov record high F = 89
| Dec record high F = 85
| year record high F = 110

|Jan avg record high F = 75.9
|Feb avg record high F = 78.9
|Mar avg record high F = 83.7
|Apr avg record high F = 86.9
|May avg record high F = 91.9
|Jun avg record high F = 96.4
|Jul avg record high F = 98.9
|Aug avg record high F = 99.6
|Sep avg record high F = 96.8
|Oct avg record high F = 90.6
|Nov avg record high F = 83.4
|Dec avg record high F = 78.4
|year avg record high F = 100.6

| Jan high F = 58.5
| Feb high F = 62.6
| Mar high F = 69.6
| Apr high F = 76.3
| May high F = 83.3
| Jun high F = 89.3
| Jul high F = 91.7
| Aug high F = 92.4
| Sep high F = 88.1
| Oct high F = 79.0
| Nov high F = 68.2
| Dec high F = 60.5
| year high F = 76.6
| Jan mean F = 48.5
| Feb mean F = 52.2
| Mar mean F = 59.2
| Apr mean F = 65.8
| May mean F = 73.8
| Jun mean F = 80.2
| Jul mean F = 82.6
| Aug mean F = 82.7
| Sep mean F = 78.1
| Oct mean F = 67.8
| Nov mean F = 57.3
| Dec mean F = 50.5
| year mean F = 66.6
| Jan low F = 38.5
| Feb low F = 41.8
| Mar low F = 48.8
| Apr low F = 55.4
| May low F = 64.3
| Jun low F = 71.0
| Jul low F = 73.6
| Aug low F = 73.1
| Sep low F = 68.0
| Oct low F = 56.6
| Nov low F = 46.4
| Dec low F = 40.4
| year low F = 56.5

|Jan avg record low F = 24.5
|Feb avg record low F = 28.9
|Mar avg record low F = 33.0
|Apr avg record low F = 41.5
|May avg record low F = 52.3
|Jun avg record low F = 63.2
|Jul avg record low F = 69.0
|Aug avg record low F = 67.2
|Sep avg record low F = 55.5
|Oct avg record low F = 41.6
|Nov avg record low F = 31.8
|Dec avg record low F = 27.0
|year avg record low F = 21.9

| Jan record low F = 4
| Feb record low F = 3
| Mar record low F = 22
| Apr record low F = 31
| May record low F = 38
| Jun record low F = 50
| Jul record low F = 57
| Aug record low F = 55
| Sep record low F = 40
| Oct record low F = 27
| Nov record low F = 20
| Dec record low F = 7
| year record low F = 3
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation inch = 6.13
| Feb precipitation inch = 5.13
| Mar precipitation inch = 5.18
| Apr precipitation inch = 5.44
| May precipitation inch = 4.58
| Jun precipitation inch = 5.29
| Jul precipitation inch = 4.55
| Aug precipitation inch = 4.30
| Sep precipitation inch = 3.98
| Oct precipitation inch = 4.89
| Nov precipitation inch = 5.45
| Dec precipitation inch = 5.98
| year precipitation inch = 60.90
| Jan snow inch = 0.0
| Feb snow inch = 0.1
| Mar snow inch = 0.0
| Apr snow inch = 0.0
| May snow inch = 0.0
| Jun snow inch = 0.0
| Jul snow inch = 0.0
| Aug snow inch = 0.0
| Sep snow inch = 0.0
| Oct snow inch = 0.0
| Nov snow inch = 0.3
| Dec snow inch = 0.0
| year snow inch = 0.4
| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
| Jan precipitation days = 9.4
| Feb precipitation days = 8.4
| Mar precipitation days = 8.0
| Apr precipitation days = 6.6
| May precipitation days = 7.2
| Jun precipitation days = 9.4
| Jul precipitation days = 8.7
| Aug precipitation days = 8.2
| Sep precipitation days = 6.3
| Oct precipitation days = 6.0
| Nov precipitation days = 6.9
| Dec precipitation days = 8.8
| year precipitation days = 93.9
|source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name= NOAA >
{{cite web
| url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=lch
| title = NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = August 27, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NCEI>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00160098&format=pdf
| title = Station: Alexandria, LA
| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020)
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = August 27, 2021}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1840= 814
|1850= 672
|1860= 1461
|1870= 1218
|1880= 1800
|1890= 2861
|1900= 5648
|1910= 11213
|1920= 17510
|1930= 23025
|1940= 27066
|1950= 34913
|1960= 40279
|1970= 41811
|1980= 51648
|1990= 49188
|2000= 46342
|2010= 47723
|2020= 45275
|footnote={{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060208103743/http://www.census.gov:80/prod/www/abs/decennial/ U.S. Decennial Census]}}
}}

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right"
|+Alexandria racial composition<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US2200975&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=2021-12-29|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
!scope="col"| Race
!scope="col"| Number
!scope="col"| Percentage
|-
!scope="row"| Black or African American (non-Hispanic)
| 24,745
| 54.65%
|-
!scope="row"| White (non-Hispanic)
| 16,537
| 36.53%
|-
!scope="row"| Other/Mixed
| 1,571
| 3.47%
|-
!scope="row"| Hispanic or Latino
| 1,275
| 2.82%
|-
!scope="row"| Asian
| 977
| 2.16%
|-
!scope="row"| Native American
| 156
| 0.34%
|-
!scope="row"| Pacific Islander
| 14
| 0.03%
|}
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 45,275 people, 17,920 households, and 10,933 families residing in the city.

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website |df=mdy }}</ref> of 2010, there were 47,723 people, 17,816 households, and 11,722 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was 1,754.6/sq&nbsp;mi (677.5/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 19,806 housing units at an average density of {{convert|749.9|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 38.32%<ref name="census.gov">{{Cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=22 |title=2010 Census Interactive Population Search |access-date=December 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727220548/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=22 |archive-date=July 27, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[White Americans|White]], 57.25%<ref name="census.gov"/> [[African Americans|Black]], 1.25% [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]], 1.85% Asian, 0.14% [[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]], 1.03% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. 6.98% of the population were [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] of any race.

There were 17,816 households, out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.5% were married couples living together, 23.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.2% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.1% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,097, and the median income for a family was $31,978. Males had a median income of $29,456 versus $20,154 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $16,242. About 23.2% of families and 27.4% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 37.7% of those under age 18 and 18.5% of those age 65 or over.

==Religion==
Like many other southern cities, the largest single church denomination in the Alexandria area is [[Southern Baptist]]. Large congregations include the [[Emmanuel Baptist Church (Alexandria, Louisiana)|Emmanuel Baptist Church]] and Calvary Baptist Church. Alexandria is the headquarters of the [[Louisiana Baptist Convention]]. Alexandria also has a significant number of [[Methodism|Methodists]], [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterians]], [[Episcopal Church in the United States of America|Episcopalians]], and [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostals]].

A significant [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] population is also present,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/Metro/0220_2000.asp |title=The Association of Religion Data Archives {{!}} Maps & Reports |access-date=April 6, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929091632/http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/Metro/0220_2000.asp |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> a result of the large Catholic [[Cajun|Acadian]] French population which resides in and around Alexandria, many from neighboring [[Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana|Avoyelles Parish]]. Alexandria is the headquarters for the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria in Louisiana|Diocese of Alexandria]].

Alexandria has a small, though active [[Judaism|Jewish]] community which dates back to the mid-19th century. Jews have held positions in local government, civic organizations, education, and medicine. At one time, many large businesses in the downtown were Jewish-owned. The Jewish community in Alexandria maintains two [[synagogue]]s, which are approximately two blocks apart: [[Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim]] (Reform) and [[B'nai Israel Traditional Synagogue]] (Conservative).

<gallery>
File:St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria, LA IMG 4357.JPG|St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in downtown Alexandria
File:Pentecostal Church, Alexandria, LA IMG 1081.JPG|Sanctuary of [[Pentecostal Church]] in Alexandria
File:Emmanuel Baptist Church, Alexandria, LA IMG 1165.JPG|Emmanuel [[Southern Baptist|Baptist]] Church on Jackson Street in downtown Alexandria
</gallery>

==Annual cultural events and festivals==

===Mardi Gras===
[[File:AMGA Krewes Parade.jpg|thumb|200px|Mardi Gras float in the AMGA Krewes Parade in Alexandria.]]

Though Alexandria is north of the [[Cajun]] cultural area, the city recognizes [[Mardi Gras]] as an official holiday. The annual Mardi Gras Krewes Parade – occurring on the Sunday before Mardi Gras – on Texas Avenue is a major cultural festivity in the area. It is featured as a family-oriented event, and parade goers can enjoy over 20 New Orleans style floats, high school and college marching bands, as well as appearances by local celebrities. In addition to the main Sunday parade, the College Cheerleaders & Classic Cars Parade, which was established in 2008, takes place downtown on the Friday before Mardi Gras, the Children's Parade takes place downtown on the Saturday before Mardi Gras, and the Krewe of Provine Parade is held on [[Fat Tuesday]], processing along Coliseum Boulevard. All the events are organized by the Alexandria Mardi Gras Association (AMGA). The Krewe Parade can attract from 120,000 to 150,000; the Children's parade, up to 40,000 to 50,000, and the College Cheerleaders & Classic Cars, about 5,000 to 15,000 people.<ref>{{cite news|title=Alexandria Mardi Gras |url=http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20130206/NEWS01/302060318/Alexandria-Mardi-Gras-Parades-food-luck-sunshine |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411231020/http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20130206/NEWS01/302060318/Alexandria-Mardi-Gras-Parades-food-luck-sunshine |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 11, 2013 |newspaper=Alexandria Daily Town Talk |access-date=February 11, 2013 }}</ref>

===Alex River Fête===
[[File:Alex River Fête.jpg|thumb|200px|Booth venues at the annual Alex River Fête in downtown Alexandria.]]

An annual three-day festival is held in downtown Alexandria around late April and early May. The festival, established in 2013, was created around a former successful stand-alone event, the Louisiana Dragon Boat Races.<ref name="Alexandria Festivals">{{cite news|title=Alexandria finds its signature festival|url=http://www.thetowntalk.com/story/news/local/2017/04/29/alexandria-finds-its-signature-festival/100856514/|newspaper=Alexandria Daily Town Talk|date=April 29, 2017|access-date=April 30, 2017}}</ref> It features the race and other former stand-alone events such as Dinner on the Bricks and the ArtWalk (now Art Fête) along with various booth venues, food, and live music, as well as the Kids Fête and Classic Car Fête.

===Alex Winter Fête===
[[File:Alex Winter Fête Ice Rink.jpg|thumb|200px|Ice rink at the annual Alex Winter Fête in downtown Alexandria.]]

An annual three day festival held in downtown Alexandria around early December. Launched in 2015, the festival first year drew about double the anticipated crowd of 15,000.<ref name="Alexandria Festivals"/> The festival, like the Alex River Fête, feature booth venues, food, and live music but also features an ice rink. In January 2017, the Alex Winter Fête was voted Festival of the Year by the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association.<ref>{{cite news|title=Louisiana Travel Promotion Association|url=http://www.cajunfirst.com/news/local-news/mcilhenny-co-wins-louisiana-travel-promotion-associations-attraction-of-the-year-louey-award/648163238|newspaper=Alexandria Daily Town Talk|date=February 1, 2017|access-date=April 30, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201162753/http://www.cajunfirst.com/news/local-news/mcilhenny-co-wins-louisiana-travel-promotion-associations-attraction-of-the-year-louey-award/648163238|archive-date=February 1, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

===Former events===
====Cenlabration====

Begun in the late 1980s, Cenlabration<ref name="Lfromhere">
   "Alexandria Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau" (notes),
   webpage:
   [http://www.louisianafromhere.com/pressroom/pressreleases/press_party.html LAfromhere-pparty] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061030185657/http://www.louisianafromhere.com/pressroom/pressreleases/press_party.html |date=October 30, 2006 }}.
</ref> was one of the largest festivals in Central Louisiana (Cenla). The name comes from Central Louisiana ("LA") Celebration, and reflects local culture and heritage, as well as serving as a means of celebrating [[Labor Day]] as the end of summer.

As many as three stages support a particular type of music, including [[Cajun]] and zydeco, blues and jazz, and [[Country music]]. In addition there are arts and crafts booths for local artists to sell their wares. In the Children's Village, children can participate in arts and crafts, listen to storytellers, play games with clowns, or watch a play. The festival has plenty of carnival rides available as well. Cenlabration ends with a large fireworks display.

The festival ran for 20 years until cancellation due to finances. The city ended its annual support of $40,000 because of budget constraints.<ref name="Alexandria Festivals"/>

====RiverFest====

In 2002, representatives of local government, businesses, organizations, and community formed the nonprofit organization River Cities Cultural Alliance, Inc. to promote tourism and the arts through a celebration of Central Louisiana's diverse cultural heritage. The nonprofit served to organize and put on RiverFest: Heritage and Arts on the Red. More than ten thousand festival-goers attending the event.

RiverFest was held in downtown Alexandria and on the Alexandria and [[Pineville, Louisiana|Pineville]] levees. The festival features the work of visual artists from across the South, food booths exemplifying southern cuisine, a variety of children's activities, three outdoor stages with a wide range of music, dance, and theatrical performances, and a literary component with readings and panel discussions by Louisiana authors and scholars.

RiverFest was canceled in 2007.

====Que'in on the Red====
An annual barbecue festival launched in 2006, the festival was held on the levee near downtown Alexandria and was well known for its big-name entertainment. The event was cancelled in 2012 due to its high cost and the city deciding against continued support of $100,000 annually.<ref name="Alexandria Festivals"/>

==Museums==
{{Unsourced|section|date=January 2025}}[[File:Alexandria, LA, art museum IMG 1136.JPG|200px|right|thumb|The [[Alexandria Museum of Art]] is located downtown along the Red River.]]

[[File:Alexandria museum.JPG|thumb|200px|right|An historic former Rapides Bank and Trust Company building houses part of the Alexandria Museum of Art to the left in photo.]]

[[File:Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center (revised) in Alexandria, LA IMG 4277.JPG|right|thumb|200px|The 615-seat Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center is located on Third Street across from the ''[[The Town Talk (Alexandria)|Alexandria Daily Town Talk]]'' building]]

[[File:Arna Bontemps African American Museum, Alexandria, LA IMG 4280.JPG|right|thumb|200px|[[Arna Bontemps]] African American Museum in downtown Alexandria]]

The [[Alexandria Museum of Art]] was founded in 1977 and occupies an historic Rapides Bank Building on the banks of the Red River. The building was built c. 1898 and is listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]]. The museum opened to the public in March 1998. In 1998, the Alexandria Museum of Art expanded and constructed its grand foyer and offices as an annex to the Rapides Bank Building. In 1999, the Alexandria Museum of Art was honored as an Outstanding Arts Organization in the Louisiana Governor's Arts Awards. In 2007, the Alexandria Museum of Art entered into a collaborative endeavor agreement with Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA). The Alexandria Museum of Art now also serves as a downtown campus for LSUA classes, and is host to multidisciplinary community events, including concerts and recitals, lectures, yoga classes, Second Saturday Markets, and Museum Afterhours.

The [[Louisiana History Museum]] is located downtown on the bottom floor of the former library. A small facility, it showcases the history of all Louisiana, with emphasis on the central portion of the state, Rapides Parish, and Alexandria. Major exhibit areas concern [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]], Louisiana geography, politics, health care, farming, and the impact of war.

The T.R.E.E. House Children's Museum and [[Arna Bontemps]] African American Museum are located within the Cultural Arts District.

The [[Kent Plantation House]] in Alexandria, completed by 1800, was located on a Spanish land grant. It is the oldest standing structure in Central Louisiana, one of only two buildings in the city to survive the burning of 1864 by Union troops fleeing after having been defeated at the [[Battle of Mansfield]] in [[DeSoto Parish, Louisiana|DeSoto Parish]]. The house has been moved from its original location but is still located on part of the first land grant. It is open for tours daily except Sundays at 9, 10, and 11 a.m. and 1, 2, and 3 p.m. The tour is led by costumed docents and includes the house furnished in period pieces, some belonging to the original family, and all nine outbuildings, including an 1840-50s sugar mill, [[blacksmith]] shop, barn, two slave cabins, open-hearth kitchen, and milk house.

==Performing arts==
The performing arts are centered in the Alexandria Cultural Arts District in the downtown. Located within a few blocks of each other are three performance venues: Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, the Hearn Stage, and the Riverfront Amphitheater.

The Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center is the home of the Rapides Symphony Orchestra, which has performed in Alexandria since 1968. The center hosts the Performing Arts Series of the Arts Council of Central Louisiana, the Red River Chorale (an auditioned community chorus), and presentations of numerous local theater groups. The land for the center was donated by ''[[The Town Talk (Alexandria)|The Alexandria Town Talk]]'' newspaper, owned by the [[Gannett Company]] of [[McLean, Virginia|McLean]], [[Virginia (U.S. state)|Virginia]].

Businesswoman Jacqueline Seagall Caplan (1935–2016) was the president of the Arts Council of Central Louisiana and the chairman of the group's executive committee when the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center opened in 2004. She predicted that Coughlin-Saunders would in time "provide a place people can point to and say it's theirs. ... [Until now], we've never had a performing arts center where every type of performing art can come."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetowntalk.com/story/news/2016/07/30/alexandrias-jacque-caplan-dies-81/87839566/|title=Alexandria's Jacque Caplan dies at 81|publisher=The Alexandria Town Talk|date=July 31, 2016|access-date=August 4, 2016}}</ref>

The Hearn Stage is a black box theater for smaller productions. The Arts Council provides day-to-day management of both the Coughlin-Saunders Center and the Hearn Stage.<ref>{{cite web|title=Venue|url=http://www.louisiana-arts.org/arts-venues.php|publisher=Arts Council of Central Louisiana|access-date=January 19, 2013|archive-date=November 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125222018/http://www.louisiana-arts.org/arts-venues.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Riverfront Amphitheater hosts each April a "Jazz on the River" music festival, sponsored by the Arna Bontemps African American Museum. The Rapides Symphony holds an annual fall Pops concert in the amphitheater. In recent years, the amphitheater has welcomed musical guests in conjunction with the springtime Dragonboat Races sponsored by the Alexandria Museum of Art.

The spring and fall seasons also feature Downtown Rocks, a free outdoor concert series in nearby Fulton Park.

==Sports==
[[File:Rapides Coliseum.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Rapides Parish Coliseum]] on [[Louisiana Highway 28]]]]
[[File:Bringhurst Stadium Entrance.JPG|thumb|200px|Entrance to the former [[Bringhurst Field]] (1933–2013)]]

Alexandria was home to the [[Alexandria Aces]], a summer college league baseball team. The Aces were champions in various leagues in 1997, 1998, 2006, and 2007. They played their home games at [[Bringhurst Field]]. Due to lack of repairs on the stadium, combined with the aging of it caused interest in the team to drop, with much of the wooden stands being barricaded. The remaining games of the 2013 season were canceled in mid-July because of low attendance, which averaged fewer than two hundred per game.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20130722/SPORTS/307200026/Tompkins-Pro-baseball-s-demise-triggers-Aces-nostalgia |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130722121804/http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20130722/SPORTS/307200026/Tompkins-Pro-baseball-s-demise-triggers-Aces-nostalgia |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 22, 2013 |title=Bob Tompkins, "Tompkins: Pro baseball's demise triggers Aces nostalgia" |newspaper=The Town Talk |access-date=July 22, 2013 }}</ref> The stadium's office and clubhouse were destroyed by a fire in 2014 and were subsequently torn down.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetowntalk.com/story/news/local/2014/12/20/fire-destroys-office-clubhouse-bringhurst-field/20704273/ |title=Fire destroys office, clubhouse at Bringhurst Field |newspaper=The Town Talk |access-date=October 20, 2020 }}</ref> In 2017, it was decided that the stadium would become a green space, open to the public and welcome news to those concerned about the building's future. The scoreboard and outfield walls have been removed, but most of the stadium is still intact. In 1974, a Little League team from Alexandria won the Louisiana state championship.

Alexandria had a minor league [[ice hockey]] team, the [[Alexandria Warthogs]]. They played their home games at the [[Rapides Parish Coliseum]].

A professional indoor football team, the [[Louisiana Rangers]], played their home games at the Rapides Parish Coliseum. They played in the Central District of the Southern American Football League, and the Southern Conference of the National Indoor Football League (NIFL). The team was owned by a Lafayette business group before moving in 2003 to [[Beaumont, Texas|Beaumont]], [[Texas]].

Soccer has also become a growing interest in the area. The Crossroads Soccer Association has had multiple youth teams achieve success in various travel soccer leagues. One of the earliest teams to do so was the then- U-14 Crossroads Pride soccer team, winning the 2012 Louisiana Soccer Association State Cup.

Also run by Crossroads is Alexandria's first amateur soccer team, Central Louisiana FC (formerly called Pool Boys FC and Alexandria Pool Boys FC). They are a founding member of the [[Gulf Coast Premier League]], playing their games at Johnny Downs Sports Complex and [[Louisiana Christian University]]'s Wildcat Stadium in neighboring Pineville. Central Louisiana FC runs both men's and women's amateur teams, as well as a developmental team that competes in the GCL2, the Gulf Coast Premier League's second division.

Nearby is Bringhurst Golf Course, popularly known as "the nation's oldest par-three course." A full-scale renovation was completed in mid-2010. In addition to Bringhurst, named for the late industrialist R.W. Bringhurst, Alexandria is home to four other golf courses: Oak Wing, The Links on the Bayou, at LSUA, and Alexandria Golf and Country Club.

Alexandria was also home to the Cenla Derby Dames, a roller derby team that operates under the [[Women's Flat Track Derby Association]].  The Dames played their home games at the Rapides Parish Coliseum.

==Notable people==
* [[Emmanuel Arceneaux]] – [[Canadian Football League|Canadian football]] player
* [[Jay Aldrich]] – [[Major League Baseball]] player
* [[John Ardoin]] – music critic for ''[[The Dallas Morning News]]''
* [[Louis Berry]] – first African-American to practice law in Alexandria
* [[Chris Boniol]] – [[American football]] player
* [[Arna Bontemps]] – African American poet and member of [[Harlem Renaissance]]
* [[Thomas "Bud" Brady]] – state representative (1976–1988)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=166196|title=Thomas "Bud" Brady|publisher=ourcampaigns.com|access-date=July 5, 2013}}</ref>
* [[Bubby Brister]] – Quarterback for several teams<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=BRISTBUB01 |title=Bubby Brister |publisher=databaseFootball.com |access-date=November 26, 2012 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924074719/http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=BRISTBUB01 |archive-date=September 24, 2012 }}</ref>
* [[Markel Brown]] – guard in the [[Israeli Basketball Premier League]]
* [[Arthur H. Butler]] – Marine Corps Major General and [[Navy Cross]] recipient
* [[D. J. Chark]] – American football player
* [[Carl B. Close]] – state representative (1944–1947)<ref>''Alexandria Daily Town Talk'', June 29, 1948</ref>
* [[Luther F. Cole]] – associate justice of the [[Louisiana Supreme Court]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theadvocate/obituary.aspx?n=luther-francis-cole&pid=166062321&fhid=17443|title=Luther Francis Cole|newspaper=[[The Advocate (Baton Rouge)|Baton Rouge Morning Advocate]]|access-date=July 28, 2013}}</ref>
* [[Clifford Ann Creed]] – golfer; winner of eleven [[LPGA Tour]] events
* [[Israel "Bo" Curtis]] – African-American Democratic member of the Louisiana House of Representatives<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thetowntalk/obituary.aspx?n=israel-curtis-bo&pid=156067932|title=Israel "Bo" Curtis obituary|publisher=The Alexandria Town Talk|date=February 24, 2012|access-date=December 12, 2014}}</ref>
* [[Bryan Dauzat]] – [[NASCAR]] driver
* [[Cleveland Dear]] – [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. representative]] and state district court judge<ref>{{cite web |title=DEAR, Cleveland |url=https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/12052?current_search_qs=%3FPreviousSearch%3DSearch%252cLastName%252c%252c%252c%252c%252cFalse%252cFalse%252cFalse%252c%252cLastName%26CurrentPage%3D221%26SortOrder%3DLastName%26ResultType%3DGrid%26Command%3D224 |website=History, Art & Archives |access-date=2 February 2021}}</ref>
* [[Demar Dotson]] – American football player 
* [[C. H. "Sammy" Downs]] – attorney and politician
* [[James R. Eubank]] – Alexandria lawyer; member of the Louisiana House of Representatives<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/98916108|title=James Rowland Eubank|newspaper=[[The Advocate (Louisiana)|Baton Rouge Advocate]]|date=November 10, 1952|access-date=December 28, 2014}}</ref>
* [[Steve Gainer]] –  Cinematographer and Director
* [[H. N. Goff]] – state representative from Rapides Parish, 1952–1956; insurance agent in Alexandria
* [[Layon Gray]] – Playwright and director of the Off-Broadway play ''Black Angels Over Tuskegee''
* [[Lawrence Preston Joseph Graves]] – [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria in Louisiana|Roman Catholic bishop of Alexandria]] from 1973 to 1982
* [[Charles Pasquale Greco]] – Roman Catholic bishop of Alexandria from 1946 to 1973<ref>{{cite web |title=Bishop Charles P. Greco, 6th Bishop of Alexandria |url=https://www.diocesealex.org/bishop-charles-p-greco-6th-bishop-of-alexandria/ |website=Diocese of Alexandria |access-date=2 February 2021}}</ref>
* [[Jeff Hall (Louisiana politician)|Jeff Hall]] – first African-American mayor of Alexandria
* [[Eric Johanson]] – blues rock musician<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ericjohanson.com/about|title=About|website=Ericjohanson.com|access-date=September 25, 2022}}</ref>
* [[Josh Johnson (comedian)|Josh Johnson]] – comedian<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/education/2021/01/29/centenary-college-free-virtual-convocation-set-for-feb-4/4312758001/|title=Centenary College's free virtual convocation features interview with NowThis, 'Daily Show' media|website=Shreveporttimes.com|access-date=January 6, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Catherine D. Kimball]] – former Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court
* [[Maxie Lambright]] – football coach for Louisiana Tech University, 1967–1978<ref>"Lions Slate Lambright", ''Minden Press-Herald'', August 8, 1977, p. 1</ref>
* [[D.L. Lang]] – Poet Laureate of Vallejo, California<ref name="smashwords">{{cite web |title=Interview with D.L. Lang |url=https://www.smashwords.com/interview/dinahlang |website=Smashwords |access-date=20 June 2021}}</ref>
* [[John Leglue]] – NFL player
* [[F.A. Little, Jr.]] – retired judge of the [[United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana]]
* [[George S. Long]] – former U.S. representative
* [[Gillis William Long]] – former U.S. representative
* [[Jay Luneau]] – lawyer and state senator, effective January 2016
* [[J. Clifford MacDonald]] – businessman and recipient of the [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]]
* [[Gerald Archie Mangun]] –  pastor of the Pentecostal Church
* [[Anna Margaret]] – singer, actress
* [[Rod Masterson]] – actor<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0557755/|title=Rod Masterson|publisher=[[IMDb|Internet Movie Database]]|access-date=September 15, 2013}}</ref>
* [[Terry Mathews|Terry Alan "Tet" Mathews]] – former Major League Pitcher<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thetowntalk/obituary.aspx?n=patrick-mccauley&pid=174641302&fhid=5535#sthash.LF5SOogF.dpuf|title=Patrick McCauley|date=April 16, 2015|newspaper=Alexandria Town Talk|access-date=May 17, 2015}}</ref>
* [[Warren Morris]] – Major League Baseball player
* [[Craig Nall]] – [[National Football League]] player
* [[J. Tinsley Oden]] – mathematician
* [[Charles Frederick Page]] (1864-1937), American airship inventor 
* [[Jewel Prestage]] – first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. in political science
* [[Juan Pierre]] – Major League Baseball player
* [[Ed Rand]] – state representative from 1960 to 1964
* [[Joe Ray (artist)|Joe Ray]] – contemporary visual artist
* [[Joseph E. Ransdell]] – U.S. Senator from Louisiana, 1913–1931 
* [[Slater Rhea]] – Singer and TV personality on national TV in China
* [[Jalen Richard]] – NFL player
* [[Sterling Ridge]] – Arizona legislator
* [[Alvin Benjamin Rubin]] – federal judge, 1966–1991
* [[Bill Schroll]] – National Football League player
* [[Gustav Anton von Seckendorff]] – author, actor and declaimer
* [[William Tecumseh Sherman]] – first superintendent; Louisiana State Seminary of Learning & Military Academy
* [[Russ Springer]] – [[Major League Baseball]] player for 18 years
* [[Grove Stafford|Grove Stafford, Sr.]] – Alexandria lawyer and state senator from 1940 to 1948
* [[Leroy Augustus Stafford]] – planter and [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] [[Brigadier General (United States)|brigadier general]] 
* [[Lloyd George Teekell]] – 9th Judicial District Court judge from 1979 to 1990
* [[Jeff R. Thompson]] – judge of the 26th Judicial District Court since 2015
* [[Cullen Washington Jr.]] – contemporary abstract painter<ref>{{Cite news|last=McQuaid|first=Cate|date=2009-12-23|title=Behind the mask of 'Hero's'|work=Boston.com|url=http://archive.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2009/12/23/washingtons_collages_look_behind_mask_of_heros/|access-date=2021-09-05}}</ref>
* [[Muse Watson]] – actor
* [[James Madison Wells]] – 19th century governor of Louisiana
* [[Rebecca Wells]] – author best known for [[Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood]]
* [[Joanne Lyles White]] – founder and first president of the Louisiana Speech League
* [[J. Robert Wooley]] – [[Insurance commissioner|Louisiana insurance commissioner]] was reared in Alexandria<ref>{{cite web|url=http://capitolwatch.reallouisiana.com/html/FEFC63E0-7B09-4AF6-9D95-DAA269103A2A.shtml |title=Mike Hasten, "Louisiana insurance commissioner's race Wooley turns temporary job into a mission", November 7, 2003 |website=Capitolwatch.reallouisiana.com |access-date=June 18, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505064810/http://capitolwatch.reallouisiana.com/html/FEFC63E0-7B09-4AF6-9D95-DAA269103A2A.shtml |archive-date=May 5, 2012 }}</ref>
<!---Please alphabetize when adding names
Also, please note that all entries must have either a Wikilink to the person named's Wikipedia biography (not to some other article that may mention the person) or an independent, reliable reference showing that the person meets the WP:BIO notability standard.  The biography must have a reference connecting the person to this city or that must also be referenced--->

==Media==
{{Unsourced|section|date=January 2025}}

===Newspapers===
[[File:The Town Talk, Alexandria, LA IMG 4276.JPG|right|175px|thumb|''[[The Town Talk (Alexandria)|The Alexandria Town Talk]]'' offices are located downtown on Third Street.]]

Established March 17, 1883, ''The Alexandria Town Talk''  is a daily newspaper for Alexandria-Pineville and the thirteen parishes which comprise central Louisiana. The newspaper was owned by the family of the late Jane Wilson Smith and [[Joe D. Smith, Jr.]], until March 1996, when it was sold to Central Newspapers. In August 2000, the [[Gannett Company]] acquired the Central Newspapers properties, including ''The Town Talk''. The name of the paper on its inaugural issue was the ''Alexandria Daily Town Talk''. Although it has since been shorted to the current ''The Town Talk'', it is still frequently referred to by long-time residents as the ''Daily Town Talk''.

===Television===
Alexandria is served by local television stations [[KALB-TV]] ([[NBC]] / [[CBS]]/ [[The CW]]), [[WNTZ]] ([[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]), [[KLAX-TV]] ([[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]), [[Louisiana Public Broadcasting|KLPA]] ([[PBS]]/[[Louisiana Public Broadcasting|LPB]]), and [[KBCA]] ([[Heroes & Icons]]). KALB is the oldest television station in central Louisiana.

=== Radio ===

{{Alexandria Radio}}

==Parks and outdoor attractions==
[[File:Scene at Alexandria (LA) Zoo Picture 299.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Greenery at Alexandria Zoo]]

===Alexandria Zoological Park===

{{Main|Alexandria Zoological Park}}

The [[Alexandria Zoological Park]] is a {{convert|33|acre|ha|adj=on}} zoo first opened to the public in 1926. Owned by the City of Alexandria and operated by the Division of Public Works, it is home to about 500 animals and includes an award-winning Louisiana Habitat exhibit. The zoo is accredited by the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] (AZA) and takes part in about 20 [[Species Survival Plan]]s (SSP) as part of its conservation efforts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums |url=https://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list?locale=en#A |website=AZA |publisher=Association of Zoos and Aquariums |access-date=22 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Endangered Species: Species Survival Plan |url=https://thealexandriazoo.com/EndangeredSpecies.html |website=Alexandria Zoo |publisher=Alexandria Zoological Park |access-date=22 June 2022}}</ref>

=== Cotile Lake Recreation Area ===
Cotile Lake is a man-made [[Reservoir|impoundment]] located in the uplands approximately {{convert|15|mi|km|0}} west-northwest of Alexandria, Louisiana. The lake is approximately {{convert|1775|acre|km2|0}} in size and was completed in October 1965. The Louisiana Wild Life and Fisheries Commission stocked this impoundment with the proper species and number of game fish in 1965–66 shortly after its completion date. The recreational facilities include a large area cleared and zoned for swimming with complete bath house facilities nearby. There is a [[water skiing]] area that is cleared and snagged for safety of the skiers. The picnic and camping areas are modern and complete. There is also space available for campers.

=== Indian Creek Lake and Recreation Area ===
Encompasses a {{convert|2250|acre|km2|0|adj=on}} lake, {{convert|100|acre|km2|1}} of developed recreation facilities and a {{convert|250|acre|km2}} primitive camping area all within the Alexander State Forest. The lake, located in central Louisiana, was constructed as a joint venture of the Louisiana Forestry Commission, the Rapides Parish Police Jury, and the Lower West Red River Soil and Water Conservation District as a reservoir for agricultural irrigation in times of need and for recreation purposes.

The recreation area camping area contains 109 campsites with conventional full utility hookups, 3 beaches for [[swimming (sport)|swimming]], bath houses, a boat launch, and 75 picnic sites. A covered pavilion within the developed area provides for groups up to 100 people. The recreation area is open year-round and operates on user fees.

=== Kisatchie National Forest ===
Alexandria sits in the middle of the [[Kisatchie National Forest]]. Ranger districts are north, northwest, west and southwest of the city. An abundance of large timberlands and forest nurseries, as well as lake and recreation areas, are within a short driving distance.

==Other points of interest==
[[File:Alexandria, LA, Memorial Gardens Cemetery IMG 1143.JPG|right|thumb|200px|Entrance sign to Alexandria Memorial Gardens]]
[[File:Hotel Bentley, Alexandria, LA (2014) IMG 4301.JPG|200px|right|thumb|The [[Hotel Bentley]] (2014 photo).]]
*Alexandria Memorial Gardens – Large cemetery on [[U.S. Highway 165]] south. Other cemeteries are also available in Pineville.
*Alexandria Levee Park – A park located downtown, adjacent to the Red River, that serves as the grounds for some local festivals. It contains an amphitheatre that is used for concerts.
*[[Alexandria Mall]] – The local shopping mall located on Masonic Drive, established 1973.
*Alexandria Riverfront Center – Convention center located downtown.
*[[Bringhurst Field]] – Former home of the Alexandria Aces. 
*Bringhurst Park – Contains the Alexandria Zoo, Bringhurst Field, a playground, a golf course and tennis courts.
*[[Bentley Hotel|Hotel Bentley]] – Historic hotel built in 1908.
*[[Inglewood Plantation Historic District|Inglewood Plantation]] – Plantation located south of Alexandria.
*[[Kent Plantation House]] – French colonial plantation house.
*[[Masonic Home for Children|Masonic Home]] – A now defunct [[orphanage]] in south Alexandria completed in 1924.
*[[Rapides Parish Coliseum]] – A multi-purpose arena used for sporting events, conventions and other events.

== Military ==
{{Unsourced|section|date=January 2025}}

=== Louisiana National Guard ===
Alexandria is home to both Headquarters and Company B of the 199th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB). The 199th BSB is the logistical component of the [[256th Infantry Brigade]] that served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from October 2004 until September 2005. The 199th BSB provides supply and transportation (Company A), medical (Company C) and maintenance (Company B) support and services that keep the 256th Brigade operational. The battalion also has units located in [[Jonesboro, Louisiana|Jonesboro]], [[Winnfield, Louisiana|Winnfield]], [[Colfax, Louisiana|Colfax]], and [[St. Martinville, Louisiana]].

=== England Air Force Base ===
Alexandria served as the home of [[England Air Force Base]] from its origins as an emergency airstrip for Esler Regional Airport until its closure. England AFB was officially closed on December 15, 1992, pursuant to the [[United States Department of Defense|Defense]] Base Closure and Realignment Act (Public Law 101–510) and recommendations of the Defense Secretary's Commission on [[Base Realignment and Closure]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/england.htm| title = England Industrial Airpark}}</ref> The base now serves as [[Alexandria International Airport (Louisiana)|Alexandria International Airport]] (see below).
<!-- Unsourced image removed: [[File:AEX.jpg|frame|right|Main Terminal - Alexandria International Airport]] -->

==Economy==
[[File:Alexandria, LA, tallest building IMG 1127.JPG|200px|right|thumb|Tallest building in Alexandria across Third Street from City Hall.]]

According to Census ACS 1-year survey for 2016, the per capita income of Alexandria was $23,962. This is $1,702 lower than the Louisiana average for per capita income in the same period. That figure is at $31,128 nationally. The Alexandria workforce consists of about 55,000 residents.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=3230 |title=Alexandria, Louisiana LA, city profile (Rapides Parish) – hotels, festivals, genealogy, newspapers – ePodunk |access-date=March 30, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210202855/http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=3230 |archive-date=December 10, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Union Tank Car Company]] has recently located a plant northwest of Alexandria near the airport creating hundreds of jobs. Expansions at the [[Procter & Gamble]] plant and the construction of a [[PlastiPak]] plant in nearby [[Pineville, Louisiana|Pineville]] have also created a number of new jobs for the area. [[Sundrop Fuels Inc.]], a Colorado-based biofuels start-up, plans to construct an over 1,200 acre plant just southwest of Alexandria in Rapides Station area. The facility will serve as the headquarters for the company because aside from the plant itself, Sundrop has also bought Cowboy Town, an abandon entertainment venue that sits inside the surrounding land that was purchased, to house their offices and their maintenance and fabrication operations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://advancedbiofuelsusa.info/sundrop-fuels-buys-1213-acres-for-alexandria-area-biofuels-plant/ |title=Sundrop Fuels buys 1,213 acres for Alexandria-area biofuels plant |website=Advanced Biofuels USA |date=March 1, 2013 |access-date=December 4, 2021}}</ref>

In 2007, [[Inc. Magazine]] rated Alexandria as the 77th best place in which to conduct business out of the 393 U.S. cities ranked, a significant increase from its ranking as No. 276 in 2006. Among other Louisiana cities, Alexandria ranked second, following only [[Baton Rouge]], which ranked 59th nationally.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.inc.com/bestcities/best.html?size=0&year=2007| title = Small Business Resources for the Entrepreneur |website=Inc.com}}</ref>

===Healthcare===
[[File:Rapides Regional Medical Center, Alexandria, LA IMG 4350.JPG|200px|right|thumb|The modern Rapides Regional Medical Center began in 1903 as "Alexandria Sanitarium".]]
[[File:Veterans Hospital, Alexandria, LA IMG 4177.JPG|200px|right|thumb|The Alexandria Veterans Administration Hospital is actually in neighboring [[Pineville, Louisiana|Pineville]], Louisiana.]]

Alexandria is home to two major [[hospital]]s: Rapides Regional Medical Center, a former Baptist hospital is located downtown. Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital was opened in 1950 and is located at the corner of Masonic Drive and Texas Avenue. Both hospitals have undergone expansion.

Additionally, located just across the Red River in Pineville, the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center at Alexandria serves central Louisiana and surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, in 2013, the state allocated $15 million to move the medical services long provided at no or minimal charge at the Huey P. Long Medical Center in Pineville to the former hospital at England Park at the site of the closed England Air Force Base.<ref>{{cite news
 |url=http://www.thetowntalk.com/proart/20130622/news01/306220018/-15m-allocated-move-health-services-huey-p-long-england-airpark
 |title=$15 million allocated to move health services at Huey P. Long to England Airpark 
 |newspaper=The Town Talk 
 |access-date=June 23, 2013 
}}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

===Port of Alexandria===
In the early 19th century, the Port of Alexandria brought goods to the area and shipped [[cotton]] and other local products to the rest of the country. A [[ferry]] connected the cities of Alexandria and Pineville until a bridge was built across the Red in 1900.

Today, Port facilities include: a 40-ton crane for off-loading, a {{convert|15000|sqft|m2|-2|adj=on}} warehouse, 13,600-ton bulk [[fertilizer]] warehouse, a 3,400-ton bulk fertilizer dome structure and a 5,000-ton dome which was added in January 2005.

The [[petroleum]] off-loading facility includes two {{convert|55000|oilbbl|m3|abbr=on}} tanks, one {{convert|15000|oilbbl|m3|abbr=on}} tank capable of handling two barges and five truck off-loading simultaneously. There is also a general cargo dock with access to rail and a hopper barge unloading dock with conveyor system.

Today's modern facilities and the Port's central location with its connection to the Mississippi River provide excellent opportunities for importers and exporters.

===Alexandria International Airport===
[[File:Alexandria International Airport terminal, Alexandria, Louisiana.jpg|thumb|200px|New terminal at AEX]]
[[Alexandria International Airport (Louisiana)|Alexandria International Airport]] (AEX) is a regional airport, providing flights to Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. Worth, and Houston.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.ifly.com/alexandria-international-airport| title = Alexandria Airport {{!}} AEX Airport Alexandria, LA United States - Flights, Airport Parking, & More!<!-- Bot generated title -->|website=Ifly.com}}</ref> In 2006 a new-state-of-the-art passenger terminal was dedicated. Alexandria is served by [[American Airlines|American]] and [[Delta Air Lines|Delta]].

====Current military use====
Formerly known as [[England AFB]] until 1992, Alexandria International Airport additionally has numerous international charter airlines using the airport in the transport of military personnel attached to the United States Army base at [[Fort Johnson]]. A new military personnel terminal opened in 2007.

== Government and politics ==
=== Local government ===

==== History ====

Following the Civil War, all public records in Alexandria had been destroyed. On September 29, 1868, the city was granted a new charter with a government consisting of a Mayor, Treasurer, and Justice of the Peace. Nine aldermen represented the four wards of the city – two from each ward and one elected at-large.

In 1912, the [[Lawrason Act]] established Alexandria municipal government in a strong mayor format, where the mayor was also the Commissioner of Public Health and Safety (Police, Fire, Sanitation). There were separate Commissioners of Streets and Parks and Finance and Utilities, elected citywide. Those positions were discontinued in 1977.

==== Today ====
Alexandria has a mayoral-council system of government. The Mayor serves as the executive branch of the local government.

The City Council serves as the legislative branch. The five districts of the city are represented on the council; in addition there are two council members elected to serve as at-large representatives of the city.

The Alexandria Court has a limited jurisdiction, consisting of the citizens of Wards 1, 2 and 8 in [[Rapides Parish]]. Within those boundaries the court has the power to hear and decide both criminal and civil cases, rule in civil cases and hand down judgment for punishment in criminal cases.

=== United States Congressional district ===
From 1913 to 1993, Alexandria served as the seat of [[Louisiana's 8th congressional district|Louisiana's Eighth Congressional district]]. A [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] seat, it was held by the [[Huey P. Long|Long family]] for nearly half of its existence, from 1953 to 1987, broken only by the two terms of [[Harold B. McSween]] and three terms of [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[Clyde Holloway]] of [[Forest Hill, Louisiana|Forest Hill]]. The seat was removed after the 1990 census indicated Louisiana no longer had the population to support it. The district was split among the [[Louisiana's 4th congressional district|Fourth]], [[Louisiana's 5th congressional district|Fifth]] and [[Louisiana's 6th congressional district|Sixth Congressional districts]]. Alexandria is now in the Fifth district and was represented from 2003 to 2013 by [[Rodney Alexander]], a Democrat-turned-Republican. From November 2013 to January 2015 the representative is [[Vance McAllister]] of [[Ouachita Parish, Louisiana|Ouachita Parish]]. Since March 2021, the Fifth has been represented by [[Julia Letlow]] of [[Start, Louisiana|Start]] in [[Richland Parish, Louisiana|Richland Parish]].

==Education==

===Colleges and universities===

[[File:LSUA sign in Alexandria, LA IMG 1149.JPG|200px|right|thumb|[[Louisiana State University at Alexandria]] off [[U.S. Highway 71]] south]]

[[File:Entrance to Louisiana College, Pineville, LA IMG 4369.JPG|200px|right|thumb|Entrance to [[Southern Baptist]]-affiliated [[Louisiana Christian University]] in Pineville]]

Situated south of the city, [[Louisiana State University at Alexandria]] (LSUA) is a regional campus of the state's flagship university system, [[Louisiana State University]]. From its establishment in 1959, the campus offered only two-year degrees; students seeking baccalaureate degrees had to commute or move to the main campus in [[Baton Rouge]] in order to gain a four-year degree. After 1976, students could either commute or telecommute in order to attend upper-level courses, including graduate classes. In 2002, following approval by the Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors and the [[Louisiana]] [[Board of Regents]] the Louisiana Legislature passed legislation allowing LSUA to offer baccalaureate degrees.

A four-year degree is also attainable through [[Southern Baptist]]-affiliated [[Louisiana Christian University]] in Pineville, founded in 1906.

Two of [[Central Louisiana Technical Community College]]'s campuses, including its main campus and administration, are located in Alexandria.

=== Primary and secondary schools ===

[[File:Bolton High School, Alexandria, LA IMG 4265.JPG|200px|right|thumb|Bolton High School in the [[Alexandria Garden District]]]]

[[File:Holy Savior Menard Central High School, Alexandria, LA IMG 1158.jpg|200px|right|thumb|[[Holy Savior Menard Central High School]] on [[Louisiana Highway 28]] West]]
Rapides Parish School Board operates public schools.

Alexandria has three public high schools: [[Bolton High School (Louisiana)|Bolton High School]], [[Alexandria Senior High School (Louisiana)|Alexandria Senior High School]], and [[Peabody Magnet High School]]. In addition, there are two private high schools: the Roman Catholic [[Holy Savior Menard Central High School]], and Grace Christian.

== Transportation ==

=== Roads ===
Alexandria serves as the crossroads of [[Louisiana]]. To reach either [[Shreveport, Louisiana|Shreveport]] or [[Monroe, Louisiana|Monroe]] from the southern portion of the state, the easiest method of travel takes the driver through Alexandria. Likewise, if a visitor is to head from the northern portion of the state to the [[Cajun]] portions of the state ([[Lake Charles, Louisiana|Lake Charles]] and [[Lafayette, Louisiana|Lafayette]]), or the greater metropolitan areas of either [[Baton Rouge]] or [[New Orleans]], the easiest method of travel involves driving down [[Interstate 49]] through Alexandria.

In addition to [[Interstate 49 in Louisiana|I-49]], travelers can follow Louisiana 1 up to Alexandria from Baton Rouge and points south. Also, Highway 167 could be taken from Opelousas north to Ruston, crossing through Alexandria at one of the few bridges over the Red River in central Louisiana. Highways 165 and 71 also link Alexandria and points south with the northern and southern portions of the state via the Curtis-Coleman bridge.

There are talks about a 50-80 mile, 4 lane beltway to encircle Alexandria and Pineville, and an East-West Interstate (I14) connecting Natchez, MS and Jasper, TX called the Gulf Coast Strategic Highway. As of now, they are in the planning stages of development.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kalb.com/story/14493914/beltway-to-loop-cenla-could-be-on-its-way |title=Beltway to Loop Cenla Could Be On Its way |publisher=KALB-TV News Channel 5 |date=May 5, 2011 |access-date=October 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714160448/http://www.kalb.com/story/14493914/beltway-to-loop-cenla-could-be-on-its-way |archive-date=July 14, 2014 }}</ref>

=== Bridges ===
Three road bridges cross the Red River in the Alexandria area. They are:
*The Purple Heart Memorial Bridge. Part of the Alexandria-Pineville Expressway (also referred to as the Cottingham Expressway), it connects [[Interstate 49]] to Highway 167 by crossing the Red River from downtown Alexandria to [[Pineville, Louisiana|Pineville]]. It replaced the Fulton Street Bridge and has six lanes of traffic. Designed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD), the bridge cost $15.9 million in federal and state funds. The northbound portion was completed in 1995, the southbound in 1998.

[[File:Jackson St. bridge.JPG|thumb|200px|Jackson Street Bridge]]
*The U.S. 165 Business Bridge (alternatively, the Gillis Long Bridge, the Red River Bridge or the Jackson Street Bridge) connecting downtown Pineville with the business district in Alexandria. It is a two-lane vertical-lift bridge with a sidewalk/bikepath on either side. The bridge is named after U.S. Representative Gillis Long, who represented Louisiana's Eighth Congressional District. It was built in 1985 to replace the Murray Street Bridge.
*The Curtis-Coleman (Fort Buhlow) Bridge A new four-lane (two lanes in each direction) bridge was built beside the aging OK Allen Bridge and opened in May, 2016. At that time [[US 165]] will be completely four-laned for most of its traverse of Louisiana. It was demolished on September 26, 2015.

Former bridges include:
*The Murray Street Bridge. One of the first bridges in Alexandria. A two-lane steel truss swing bridge, it decayed over time, finally being demolished in 1983. The approach on the Alexandria side was turned into a river overlook as part of the Alexandria Levee Park.
*The Fulton Street Bridge. Named after Fulton Street which it connected with Highway 167. Technically part of the Alexandria-Pineville Expressway, it was a four-lane steel vertical-lift bridge. It was demolished in 1994 to make way for the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge.
*The Oscar K. Allen Bridge connected Highway 165/71 on both sides of the Red River. It was a two-lane K-truss type bridge, named after Governor [[Oscar K. Allen]]. It was built in 1936 to connect Alexandria to the (former) Fort Buhlow. It was replaced by the Curtis-Coleman (Fort Buhlow) Bridge next to it.

There are two railroad bridges over the Red River in Alexandria. One is located near the Buhlow area north of the OK Allen bridge. The other is south of the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge.

=== Mass transit ===
Regional mass transit is handled by ATRANS (Alexandria Transportation Authority).

For those leaving or arriving at the city by bus, [[Greyhound Lines]] has a terminal downtown.

=== Airports ===
Alexandria is served by the [[Alexandria International Airport (Louisiana)|Alexandria International Airport]] and the [[Esler Regional Airport]] in Pineville.

=== Rail ===
Alexandria does not have [[Amtrak]] service, nor a commuter rail system. The [[Kansas City Southern Railway|Kansas City Southern]] (''[[Southern Belle (KCS train)|Southern Belle]]'') and the [[Missouri Pacific Railroad|Missouri Pacific]] (since absorbed by [[Union Pacific Railroad|Union Pacific]]) (''[[Louisiana Eagle]]'' and ''Louisiana Daylight'') operated train stations in the area in the early part of the 20th century but passenger services ended in the 1960s and the stations have closed.

== Surrounding cities and towns ==
[[Rapides Parish]]
{{Div col|colwidth=12em}}
*[[Ball, Louisiana|Ball]]
*[[Boyce, Louisiana|Boyce]]
*[[Cheneyville, Louisiana|Cheneyville]]
*[[Deville, Louisiana|Deville]]
*[[Forest Hill, Louisiana|Forest Hill]]
*[[Lecompte, Louisiana|Lecompte]]
*[[Pineville, Louisiana|Pineville]]
*[[Tioga, Louisiana|Tioga]]
*[[Woodworth, Louisiana|Woodworth]]
{{colend}}

[[Grant Parish]]

{{Div col|colwidth=12em}}
*[[Colfax, Louisiana|Colfax]]
*[[Creola, Louisiana|Creola]]
*[[Dry Prong, Louisiana|Dry Prong]]
*[[Pollock, Louisiana|Pollock]]
*[[Prospect, Louisiana|Prospect]]
{{colend}}

== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="120">
File:Red River at Alexandria, LA IMG 1134.JPG|Scenic view of the [[Red River of the South]] taken from [[levee]] in Alexandria
File:Downtown Third Street in Alexandria, LA IMG_4316.JPG|Another view of Third Street in Alexandria
File:Christmas chapel, Alexandria, LA IMG_4311.JPG|[[Christmas]] chapel is a seasonal exhibit near Alexandria City Hall.
File:Louisiana State Office Building, Alexandria, LA IMG_4267.JPG|Louisiana State Office Building in Alexandria
File:Health and Human Services, Alexandria, LA IMG_4317.JPG|Human Services in Alexandria occupies a former financial institution building at 429 Murray Street downtown.
File:Missouri Pacific station, Alexandria, LA IMG 1138.JPG|Former [[Missouri Pacific Railroad]] [[railroad station|depot]] in downtown [[historic]] district
File:Rapides Parish Courthouse (lower view) IMG 1142.JPG|Lower view of [[Rapides Parish, Louisiana|Rapides Parish]] Courthouse in Alexandria
File:Alexandria LA watertower.png|Water tower of Alexandria, LA
</gallery>

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage|Alexandria (Louisiana)}}
{{Commons category|Alexandria, Louisiana}}
{{EB1911 poster|Alexandria (Louisiana)|Alexandria, Louisiana}}
* [http://www.cityofalexandriala.com/ City of Alexandria] : Government and community services.
* [http://www.thetowntalk.com/ The Town Talk] : Alexandria's Local Daily Newspaper.
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20130728123653/http://www.comevisitalexandriala.com/ Visit Alexandria]}} : Business Directory.

{{Geographic Location
| Centre    = Alexandria
| North     = [[Ruston, Louisiana|Ruston]]
| Northeast = [[Monroe, Louisiana|Monroe]]
| East      = [[Natchez, Mississippi|Natchez, MS]]
| Southeast = [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]]
| South     = [[Lafayette, Louisiana|Lafayette]]
| Southwest = [[Lake Charles, Louisiana|Lake Charles]]
| West      = [[Leesville, Louisiana|Leesville]]/[[De Ridder, Louisiana|De Ridder]]
| Northwest = [[Natchitoches, Louisiana|Natchitoches]]
}}

{{Rapides Parish, Louisiana}}
{{Alexandria, Louisiana}}
{{Louisiana parish seats}}
{{Louisiana}}
{{Alexandria, Louisiana Mayors}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Alexandria, Louisiana| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Louisiana]]
[[Category:Cities in Rapides Parish, Louisiana]]
[[Category:Parish seats in Louisiana]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1785]]
[[Category:Cities in Alexandria metropolitan area, Louisiana]]
[[Category:Cities in the Central Louisiana]]
[[Category:1785 establishments in New Spain]]