By 1762 Alexandria’s population had grown to more than 1,200, and the town had outgrown its original sixty acres. Founded in 1749 on half-acre lots bounded by Royal, Duke, and Cameron Streets, it had no room left for the settlers and merchants who wanted lots within its limits. That year the General Assembly passed the first act enlarging Alexandria, extending the town west to Pitt Street and south to Wolfe Street. It was the first of several expansions.