The 1860's were a time of turmoil and tragedy for the city and county of Alexandria, Virginia. Having recovered from the economic doldrums of the forties, the decade dawned brightly as the building boom of the 1850's and railroad construction provided an impetus for economic recovery and prosperity. Ninety-six firms produced a variety of goods ranging from bark to tinware. The Alexandria Gazette reported: "business upon change is now quite brisk,...