Politics & Government
Jefferson Davis Highway Renaming: What Alexandria Residents Chose
Alexandria residents have given input on renaming Jefferson Davis Highway. A final recommendation is expected next week.
ALEXANDRIA, VA—The renaming of Jefferson David Highway (U.S. Route 1) is moving along, and the City of Alexandria now has some resident suggestions to consider.
The Alexandria City Council voted in 2016 to remove the Confederate leader's name from the highway. Then in June, the city appointed an advisory group to collect public feedback. The group opened a survey to City of Alexandria and Arlington County residents through Sept. 15. The group opened a survey to City of Alexandria and Arlington County residents through Sept. 15 and held a public hearing Sept. 25. The advisory group will then make a recommendation to the city manager by Oct. 5.
Social media users and Patch readers have suggested everything from Abraham Lincoln to "Roady McRoadface." But these were the most popular names resulting from the survey:
Find out what's happening in Del Rayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Abraham Lincoln
- Alexandria-Arlington
- Barack Obama
- Heather Heyer
- Mildred and Richard Loving
- Patrick Henry
- Richmond
- U.S. Route One
Each of these received at least 100 votes and "fall within the scope of City Council's existing guidance on inclusiveness," according to the city's website. The advisory group can choose one of these names or come up with a different recommendation. However, keeping the name Jefferson Davis is out of the question. The city council could take up a measure in November.
U.S. Route 1 has a number of different names as it runs through Virginia. It carries the name through Arlington and Alexandria, changing to Richmond Highway in Fairfax County and back again in Prince William County. Arlington County also has representatives in the advisory group in the case that it should get the state's permission for a name change.
Find out what's happening in Del Rayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The location of the Oct. 5 advisory council is to be determined. It is not expected to have a public hearing. Find the latest information on the Jefferson Davis Highway renaming here.
Do you like these name suggestions for U.S. Route 1 or have another suggestion? Let us know in the comments.
Like Del Ray Patch on Facebook.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.