Uncover Alexandria’s History Through Its Cemeteries
Located in Old Town Alexandria, VA, the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex is home to over 35,000 burials and is one of the most historic cemetery sites in the United States. Comprising 13 separate cemeteries, it dates back to 1796 and holds the graves of Revolutionary War heroes, Civil War soldiers, and forgotten figures. Explore its rich history on an expert-guided Alexandria cemetery tour.
At Gravestone Stories, we bring these histories to life through:
Guided Cemetery Tours in Alexandria – Walk through historic burial grounds with expert interpretation (Resuming in April 2025).
Notable Burials – Discover the lives of Alexandria’s most fascinating figures.
The Blog – Explore forgotten histories, rediscovered graves, and cemetery research.
Recent Research – Investigating lost graves and preserving Alexandria’s cemeteries.
Talks & Lectures – Engaging presentations on Alexandria’s cemetery history for historical groups, libraries, and organizations.
Join a Historic Cemetery Tour in Alexandria
Our guided walking tours return this spring! Explore Alexandria’s historic cemeteries, hear incredible stories, and uncover the past with expert guides.
Upcoming Tours – Book Now
Sunday, April 13 at 10:00 AM Sunday, May 4 at 10:00 AM
See Full Tour Calendar & Book a Spot →
More Tours are Coming Soon!
We are finalizing additional tour dates for:
- May 31
- June 7, June 21, June 28
- July 12, July 19, July 26
- August 2, August 16, August 23
Private tours are also available! If you’d like to arrange a private group tour, please inquire here.
Be the first to hear when new dates are added! Sign Up for Updates →
Gravestone a Week: Remarkable Burials & Lost Stories of Alexandria
Discover a New Story Every Week
We highlight a unique burial from Alexandria’s historic cemeteries each week, sparking curiosity and exploration. Linked to our Notable Burials and Blog, these stories bring forgotten legacies back to life.
Gravestone of the Week:
Caroline Branham: The Enslaved Witness to Washington’s Final Moments and a Legacy of Strength
Though she lies in an unmarked grave, Caroline Branham’s legacy is deeply etched in American history. Enslaved at Mount Vernon, she was Martha Washington’s chambermaid and one of the few individuals present during George Washington’s final moments on December 14, 1799. Her role extended beyond household duties—she bore witness to history itself.
After Martha Washington’s passing, Caroline was inherited by George Washington Parke Custis and later lived at Arlington House. There, she shared her firsthand account of Washington’s death with historian Jared Sparks, securing the freedom of her grandson, Robert Robinson. Despite the injustices she endured, her resilience ensured that her story—and that of her family—would not be forgotten. On this anniversary of her passing, we honor Caroline Branham, a remarkable woman whose life, though marked by servitude, was defined by strength and historical significance.
Read more: Caroline Branham: The Enslaved Chambermaid Who Witnessed George Washington’s Final Moments
Browse the Gravestone a Week Archive
Explore the Gravestone a Week Archive
Uncover past featured gravestones and their stories!
Explore the Gravestone a Week Archive View the Archive →
Discover More Notable Burials View More Notable Burials →
Read More Historic Blogs Explore the Blog →
Join a Guided Tour Book a Tour →
Notable Burials & Hidden Histories from Alexandria’s Cemeteries
Revolutionary Era Patriots & Early American Leaders
Major Samuel Cooper – A participant in the Boston Tea Party and an officer in the Continental Army. Learn More →
Doctor James Craik was the Continental Army’s Surgeon General and a close friend and confidant of George Washington. He was by Washington’s side at his death. Learn More →
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution – A tribute to an unidentified patriot who gave his life for American independence. Learn More →
Dennis Ramsay – Mayor of Alexandria, the first to address George Washington as “Mr. President” and an honorary pallbearer at Washington’s funeral. Learn More →
Civil War Figures
Wilmer McLean – His homes witnessed both the first and last battles of the Civil War. Learn More →
Union and Confederate Soldiers, including the United States Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.) – Men who fought on both sides of the Civil War, including African American soldiers who fought for their freedom. Learn More →
Alexandria’s Notable Citizens
Robert Allison – Killed in the Battle of the White House Landing during the War of 1812. Learn More →
General John Mason – Sent Francis Scott Key on the mission that led to “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Learn More →
Fields Cook – African American community leader known for his work in education and civil rights. Learn More →
Intriguing Stories & Controversies
The “Female Stranger” – A mysterious woman whose tombstone continues to puzzle historians and inspire legends. Learn More →
Joseph Bruin – Infamous slave trader involved in the 1848 Pearl Incident, one of the largest attempted slave escapes in U.S. history. Learn More →
William Wolf Weisband – A Soviet spy who operated during the Cold War. Learn More →
Each gravestone tells a unique story of Alexandria’s rich history. Join our guided tours to uncover the fascinating stories behind these remarkable lives and many more. Tours resuming April 2025!
Are you curious about the symbols on these historic gravestones? Learn more in our Gravestone Symbolism Guide →.
Discover More Stories from Alexandria’s Historic Cemeteries →
Recent Research & Rediscovered Graves at the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex
Rediscovered in 2024: The Lost Grave of Col. George Gilpin
In September 2024, the long-lost grave of Col. George Gilpin—Revolutionary War officer, Fairfax County surveyor, and Washington’s pallbearer—was rediscovered after centuries of uncertainty.
Read the Full Story of the Rediscovery →
Winter Archaeology: New Discoveries at Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex
In the Winter of 2024, historical research and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys led to multiple burial discoveries, including the unmarked grave of firefighter Charles Glasscock, lost in 1852. This research also revealed previously undocumented burials in the Adam/Irwin, Dundas, and Black family plots.
Read the Full Story: Winter Archaeology & Rediscovered Graves →
In 1863, a catastrophic explosion at Fort Lyon killed 23 Union soldiers—whose remains now rest in Alexandria National Cemetery. The blast, heard as far as Washington, left a lasting mark on Alexandria’s Civil War history. Read more about the explosion, the soldiers, and its impact on the city in our blog. Discover the whole story →
This Month’s Featured Blog Story
From Battlefield to Burial Ground: The USCT’s Fight for Equality at Alexandria National Cemetery
February’s featured story honors the legacy of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) at Alexandria National Cemetery. These brave soldiers fought for freedom, but their struggle didn’t end on the battlefield.
Explore More Stories from the Blog →
Guided Tours of the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex
Visitors explore The Presbyterian Cemetery, one of 13 burial grounds in the historic Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex. Among weathered gravestones and towering trees, they uncover stories of Revolutionary War heroes, Civil War soldiers, and Alexandria’s forgotten past.
Step into history as you explore Alexandria’s most historic burial grounds with expert guides. The Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex is home to Revolutionary War heroes, Civil War soldiers, and Alexandria’s forgotten figures—each with a unique story waiting to be uncovered.
Explore the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex—tours Resume in April! Sign up for updates and be the first to know when new tours are scheduled.
Where Do Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex Tours Begin?
Where Do Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex Tours Begin?
Tour Locations:
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex – Alexandria’s largest historic burial site, including The Presbyterian Cemetery and Alexandria National Cemetery. 18th-Century Burial Ground at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House – Available upon request.
Meeting Point: Tours typically start at the intersection of Wilkes Street and Hamilton Avenue in the heart of the cemetery complex.
Address: 1475-1501 Wilkes St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Parking: Available on Wilkes and Hamilton Streets.
Public Transit: About 1 mile from King Street Metro.
Where is the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex tour located? The Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex is located in Old Town Alexandria, VA, at 1475-1501 Wilkes St, just minutes from King Street Metro and the free King Street Trolley.
What King Street Trolley Stop Should I Use? Take the free King Street Trolley and exit at the stop on either side of King Street at West Street. From there, walk two blocks south, crossing Duke Street, then continue past Jamison Avenue to a park with stairs leading to Wilkes Street.
Once you reach Wilkes Street (1300 Wilkes Street), the cemetery complex will be in front of you. Bethel Cemetery will be directly ahead, while Douglass Cemetery will be on your right. Tours begin beyond Douglass Cemetery at the intersection of Wilkes Street and Hamilton Avenue.
View on Google Maps (Clickable link)
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex Tour Options (Resuming in April 2025)
Join over 1,000 history enthusiasts who have discovered Alexandria’s fascinating past through our expertly guided tours!
Public Tours – Offered most Saturdays.
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Cost: $30 per person
- Group discounts available
Private & Custom Tours – Ideal for groups, families, and historical organizations.
- Flexible scheduling
- Custom content available
- Special group rates – contact us for details
Themed Walking Tours – Focus on Civil War graves, Revolutionary War burials, and African American history.
Each tour takes approximately 90 minutes
Weather Policy: Tours run rain or shine, but we prioritize visitor safety. In case of severe weather (thunderstorms, extreme conditions), tours will be canceled and rescheduled. All registrants will be notified via email at least 2 hours before the tour start time.
Have questions? Check out our comprehensive FAQ page for answers about our tours, the cemetery complex, and Alexandria’s history.
Tours Resume in April – Sign Up for Updates!
Book Your Tour | View FAQ | Contact Us
Tour Reviews & Testimonials
“Fascinating tour! David brought Alexandria’s cemeteries to life with incredible storytelling, weaving together history, personal stories, and rediscovered graves.” – John D.
“A must-do for history lovers! Madeline’s knowledge of Civil War burials, Alexandria’s wartime hospitals, and the lives of soldiers who died here was outstanding.” – Sarah K.
“Catherine’s tour was an incredible experience! I never realized how much history was hidden in these cemeteries, especially the stories of Alexandria’s firefighters and their sacrifices.” – Michael P.
Interested in a guided tour? View Tour Schedule →
Our Expert Alexandria Tour Guides
Our tours are led by historians with deep expertise in Alexandria’s burial grounds, Civil War history, and firefighting heritage.
David Heiby – Public Historian & Superintendent of The Presbyterian Cemetery
Historian for the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex Superintendent of The Presbyterian Cemetery
Vice President of the Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation
Treasurer, Alexandria Historical Society
David specializes in Alexandria’s cemetery history, historic burials, and grave rediscoveries. His work includes the 2024 rediscovery of Col. George Gilpin’s lost grave and the 2023 identification of Philip Richard Fendall Sr. and his two wives’ burial sites. He continues to lead cemetery preservation efforts and historical research initiatives.
Battlefield & Assassination Site Tours
David has 25+ years of experience leading battlefield tours, specializing in the 1862 Maryland Campaign at Antietam, South Mountain, and Harpers Ferry. His historical tours have also explored key sites in Washington, D.C., Southern Maryland, and other locations tied to the Lincoln assassination.
Licensed Washington, D.C. Tour Guide, qualified to lead specialized historical tours at key sites in the nation’s capital.
Madeline Feierstein – Expert on Civil War Hospitals & Prisons
Civil War hospital & prison researcher Docent & tour guide at Lee-Fendall House Museum Intern at Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum
Alexandria Historical Society Grant Award Winner
Madeline specializes in the Union soldiers who died in Alexandria during the Civil War, focusing on military hospitals and wartime medical care. She has extensively researched the Lee-Fendall House, which served as a Civil War hospital, and the Alexandria National Cemetery, where many soldiers were laid to rest.
Her work at the Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum deepens her knowledge of Civil War-era medical care and post-war recovery efforts for missing soldiers.
In 2024, Madeline received a grant from the Alexandria Historical Society to support her research and writing of a book on Alexandria’s Civil War hospitals and prisons, further enriching the understanding of the city’s history.
Catherine Weinraub – Ivy Hill Cemetery Historian & Alexandria’s Firefighting History Expert
Expert on Alexandria’s fire history & firefighting burials Historian for Ivy Hill Cemetery Trustee of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association
Catherine specializes in Alexandria’s firefighting history and the burials of volunteer firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. Her research includes:
- The 1852 death of Charles Glasscock, a firefighter run over by a fire engine (his unmarked grave was rediscovered in Winter 2024).
- The deadly Dowell China Shop Fire (Nov. 17, 1855), where seven volunteer firefighters were killed and others severely injured.
- Ivy Hill Cemetery burials, which include prominent Alexandrians and historic firefighting figures.
Author of Friendship Fire Company 250th Anniversary 1774–2024 Alexandria, VA, a publication commemorating the 250th anniversary of Alexandria’s historic Friendship Fire Company, further cementing her expertise in the city’s firefighting history.
Each of our guides brings a unique historical perspective, offering a deeper connection to Alexandria’s past.
Upcoming & Past Talks
Upcoming Historical Talks
Join Madeline Feierstein for an evening at the Lee-Fendall House Museum as she uncovers the role of St. Elizabeth Asylum during the Civil War—from its operations to the soldiers and civilians it served. Don’t miss this fascinating look at wartime mental health care and its impact on Alexandria.
March 14, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM Lee-Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronoco St, Alexandria, VA
Reserve Your Spot:
Purchase Tickets Here →
Missed the Sold-Out Talk at Lee-Fendall House? Here’s Your Chance!
Catherine Weinraub’s fantastic presentation, “Outstanding Women of Ivy Hill Cemetery: Stories of Strength, Legacy, and Laughter,” was a hit—chock full of fun facts, fascinating women, and humor. If you couldn’t attend the sold-out event at Lee-Fendall House, don’t worry! She’s giving it again for free at:
John Marshall Library – Rose Hill Saturday, March 15, 2025
2:00 PM
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about the remarkable women who shaped history!
Highlights from Past Talks & Presentations
The Alexandria Historical Society – Alexandria’s Civil War History, presented by Madeline Feierstein.
SAR & DAR Chapters – The Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, presented by David Heiby.
The Lee-Fendall House Museum – Alexandria’s Friendship Fire Company, presented by Catherine Weinraub.
The John Marshall Library – Alexandria National Cemetery’s History, presented by David Heiby.
Interested in hosting a historical talk for your organization?
Self-Guided Exploration for Winter Visitors
Visiting in Winter? Explore on Your Own!
While guided tours are paused for the season, you can still visit Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex and other historic burial grounds at your own pace. Use our self-guided walking tour materials and cemetery maps to explore Alexandria’s rich history.
Looking for a specific cemetery? Find names, locations, and contact details in our Cemetery Directory →.
View Self-Guided Tour Resources
Latest Stories from Alexandria’s Past
Explore the latest discoveries and forgotten histories of Alexandria—from fiery disasters to Civil War legacies.
The Alexandria Fire of 1855: A Night of Tragedy & Heroism
A devastating fire tore through Alexandria, testing the bravery of its firefighters and reshaping the city forever. Read the Full Story →
Samuel Cooper: From Respected Army Officer to Confederate General
Uncover the fascinating journey of a man who served two nations during one of America’s most tumultuous times. Explore His Story →
From Crisis to Chronicle: The Yellow Fever Epidemic and the Evolution of Alexandria’s Historic Cemeteries
A deadly yellow fever epidemic swept through Alexandria, leaving behind a lasting impact on the city’s burial grounds and public health policies. Learn More →
Preserving Alexandria’s Past: Our Historical Affiliations
Alexandria’s rich history is preserved and interpreted by dedicated organizations that engage the community through research, education, and historic site preservation. The Alexandria Historical Society works to document and promote the city’s past. At the same time, the Lee-Fendall House Museum, owned and operated by the Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation, offers insight into Alexandria’s evolving history through one of its most significant historic homes.
Alexandria Historical Society & Lee-Fendall House Museum
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Alexandria Historical Society
Preserving Alexandria’s past through research and events.
Learn More About Alexandria Historical Society -
Lee-Fendall House Museum
An Alexandria Home, a Nation’s Story.
Owned and operated by the Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation.
Learn More About Lee-Fendall House Museum
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