The History of Alexander Henderson Elementary School

Alexander Henderson (1738-1815) was a colonial merchant. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland and came to Virginia in 1756, moving to Dumfries in 1787.

Alexander Henderson opened a store in Dumfries and later additional outlets in Colchester, Occoquan and Alexandria. For this, he is considered the "father of the American chain store."

In addition to his success in business, Alexander Henderson was a member of the Virginia General Assembly, a vestryman at Pohick Church and a magistrate in both Fairfax County and Prince William County. He was a delegate to the Mount Vernon Washington. The Mount Vernon Conference of 1785 led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

Alexander Henderson and his wife, Sarah Moore Henderson are buried in Montclair. Their hilltop gravesite overlooks the Lake Montclair Dam.

One of their sons, Archibald Henderson, became the youngest Commandant of the United States Marine Corps. He served in that position for ever 38 years, making him the longest serving Commandant of the Marines.