Discover the Historic Cemeteries That Shaped Alexandria’s Story
Why Visit the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex?
Discover Alexandria’s past at the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, America’s most historic cluster of cemeteries. Established in 1796, this remarkable site spans:
- 13 unique cemeteries, each with its own story to tell.
- The nation’s second-oldest National Cemetery, established in 1862 by Congress.
- Final resting places of Revolutionary War heroes, War of 1812 soldiers, Civil War veterans, and Alexandria’s community pioneers.
Join us as we bring to life over 200 meticulously researched stories, showcasing how the people of Alexandria shaped the United States—from its founding through centuries of change, conflict, and progress.
Explore the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex: A Historic Journey
Spanning approximately 82 acres, the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex is a tranquil setting of historic monuments and boasts some of Alexandria’s most mature trees. The complex is home to several Virginia State Champion Trees and offers a peaceful environment for reflection and exploration. This remarkable cluster of 13 unique cemeteries, established between 1796 and 1933, includes Christian, Jewish, municipal, and burial association cemeteries, and notably, the nation’s second-oldest National Cemetery – predating even nearby Arlington National Cemetery. Explore over 35,000 stories within this historic landscape.
Established in the early 19th century, the complex reflects a significant shift in Alexandria’s burial practices. Following an 1804 edict prohibiting burials within the city limits, several congregations, including Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and Methodists, sought new burial grounds. This led to the development of the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, which grew to include the Alexandria National Cemetery, established in 1862 during the Civil War. Today, nine cemeteries remain active within the complex, continuing Alexandria’s legacy of honoring its past.
While guided tours are paused for the winter season, you can still explore through our digital and self-guided options. Guided tours will resume in Spring 2025.
Why Gravestone Stories?
- Unmatched Expertise: Our passionate volunteer guides are dedicated local historians.
- Extensive Content: Explore 200+ stories, 80+ blog posts, and self-guided resources.
- Educational Mission: We collaborate with educators, historical societies, and non-profits to preserve and share Alexandria’s history.
Meet Our Expert Guides
Explore Alexandria’s rich history with our expert guides! Learn more about their unique backgrounds and areas of expertise: Meet Our Expert Guides
Notable Burials
Our extensive research highlights stories of those who shaped Alexandria and beyond:
- Dennis Ramsay: The Alexandria Mayor who first addressed George Washington as “Mr. President” during a farewell address at Wise’s Tavern. (Buried in The Presbyterian Cemetery)
- Wilmer McLean: Witness to both the first and last battles of the Civil War. (Buried in St. Paul’s Cemetery)
- The Forgotten Naval Battle of 1814: A pivotal Potomac River clash that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner.” (Robert Allison, a casualty of this battle, is buried in The Presbyterian Cemetery)
- The Pearl Incident: A daring 1848 slave escape attempt aboard a schooner. (Joseph Bruin, a slave trader involved in the incident, is buried in The Methodist Protestant Cemetery)
- The Tragedy of the “Black Diamond”: A forgotten steamship disaster on the Potomac River. (Four civilian victims are buried in The Alexandria National Cemetery)
- United States Colored Troops (USCT): Brave soldiers who fought for freedom and equality. (249 USCT soldiers are buried in The Alexandria National Cemetery)
- The Female Stranger: Alexandria’s most visited grave. (Buried in St. Paul’s Cemetery)
Featured Blog Posts
Dive deeper into Alexandria’s history with our latest investigations:
- Samuel Cooper: From Respected Army Officer to Confederate General.
- George Gilpin: Revolutionary Hero and Alexandria’s Unsung Architect.
- From Crisis to Chronicle: How Yellow Fever Shaped Alexandria’s Cemeteries.
- From Battlefield to Burial Ground: The USCT’s Fight for Equality.
Seasonal Updates: Winter 2025
While guided tours are paused, history never sleeps. Discover Alexandria’s hidden stories through
- Digital Exploration
- Access over 200 historical narratives.
- Read our latest blog posts.
- Self-Guided Adventures
- Download detailed maps of Presbyterian Cemetery, St. Paul’s Cemetery, and Alexandria National Cemetery.
- Get The Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex brochure, featuring a complex map, history, and contact information.
- Explore additional guides:
- War of 1812 Burials in the Presbyterian Cemetery
- Walking Tour of The Alexandria National Cemetery
Plan Your Visit to the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex
- For more information on visiting Alexandria, please see the Visit Alexandria Now website: Visit Alexandria Now
- You can also find information about our tours listed on the Visit Alexandria Now website: Gravestone Stories
- Learn more about the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex by picking up a brochure at the Alexandria Visitor Center, located at 221 King Street, Alexandria, VA (the Ramsay House). The Ramsay House was the birthplace of Dennis Ramsay, the first mayor to address George Washington as ‘Mr. President’.
- You can also download a digital copy of our brochure [here].
Prepare for an unforgettable experience. Here’s what you need to know:
- Expert-led Tours: 90-minute walking experiences with small groups for personal attention.
- Walking Distance: 1 – 1.5 miles.
- Cost: $30 per person (youth and group discounts available).
- What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Weather-appropriate clothing.
- Water bottle.
- Bug spray (for summer tours).
Location & Transportation: Getting to the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex
The Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex is located at 1475-1501 Wilkes St, Alexandria, VA 22314.
- Proximity: Just one mile west of the Ramsay House Visitor’s Center and two blocks from King Street.
- Public Transit: Easily accessible via the free King Street Trolley or DASH bus routes.
- Metro: King Street Metro Station (Blue/Yellow lines) is one mile away.
- Parking: Onsite and nearby options are available.
Research & Discovery
For Historians & Researchers: Gravestone Stories offers a unique opportunity for historical research.
- Unearth the stories of many of the more than 35,000 individuals buried within Alexandria’s historic cemeteries, including those interred in the historic 18th-century Old Town burial ground, nearby Ivy Hill Cemetery, and the Basilica of St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, through Gravestone Stories.
- Conduct your own genealogical research with our self-guided tours and downloadable maps.
- Access valuable research resources including detailed maps, historical narratives, and information on notable burials.
- Need Assistance? We can help you connect with your ancestors. Contact us if you are seeking information about a specific individual buried within the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex or other historic Alexandria cemeteries.
- Example: Recently, we assisted a descendant of George Gilpin, a friend of George Washington and one of his pallbearers, in locating his long-lost grave within the Christ Church Episcopal Cemetery. This successful collaboration with a fellow Alexandria Historical Society board member, an archaeologist, demonstrates our commitment to helping individuals connect with their family history. You can read more about George Gilpin’s fascinating life on our blog: George Gilpin: Revolutionary Hero and Alexandria’s Unsung Architect.
Join Us in Uncovering Alexandria’s Past
- Explore: Delve deeper into Alexandria’s rich history through our digital resources, engaging blog posts, and downloadable maps.
- Discover: Plan your visit to the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex and embark on a journey of discovery.
- Connect: Book a tour with Gravestone Stories and uncover the fascinating narratives of those who shaped our nation.
Stay Connected
- Don’t miss out on our latest historical discoveries and tour updates. Follow us on Facebook or explore our regularly updated blog for new stories and insights.
- Together, let’s continue to uncover and share the rich history of Alexandria.
