Gravestone Stories · Alexandria, Virginia

Tour Information & FAQ

Everything you need to know about joining our Alexandria walking tours — historian-led experiences through the city’s most historic cemeteries and burial grounds.

90 Minutes · Historian-Led · Original Research

90+ Minutes Per Tour
4 Tour Experiences
5.0 Star Rating
100% Recommended on Viator
Choose Your Tour

Alexandria Walking Tours Available Now

Historic Cemetery Complex

Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex

America’s Most Historic Cemetery Complex

13 Cemeteries · 35,000 Burials · 1 Complex

Duration90 minutes
Distance1–1.5 miles on mostly flat terrain
GuideDavid Heiby, Public Historian & Cemetery Superintendent
ScheduleThursday – Saturday throughout the season
Meeting PointWilkes St. & Hamilton Ave. — 1475–1501 Wilkes Street, Alexandria, Virginia
RatePublic tours · Book on Viator
Book on Viator →
Revolutionary Patriots  ·  Old Town

“Rebellious Scoundrels”: The Meeting House Tour

The Patriots of Alexandria’s Meeting House — Sanctuary, Churchyard & Founders’ Ground

DurationAbout 90 minutes
DistanceLevel walking, short distances — brick walkways and uneven churchyard ground
GuideDavid Heiby, Public Historian & Cemetery Superintendent
Meeting PointOld Presbyterian Meeting House — 323 South Fairfax Street, Old Town Alexandria
BookingAvailable exclusively through Gravestone Stories — private groups by inquiry
Tour Details & Free Guide →
Partnership Tour  ·  Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden

Lee-Fendall House Cemetery Tour

Two Centuries of Lives — From 614 Oronoco Street to the Graves Just Blocks Away

DurationApproximately 90 minutes
GuideDavid Heiby, Public Historian & Cemetery Superintendent
HostLee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
Meeting PointWilkes St. & Hamilton Ave. — 1475–1501 Wilkes Street, Alexandria, Virginia
TicketsAvailable through Lee-Fendall House on Eventbrite
View Upcoming Dates →
Private Group Experience  ·  African American History

From Enslavement to Justice

How African Americans Forced Change in Alexandria — 21 First-Person Historical Voices

DurationApproximately 2 hours
Format21 first-person witness voices — laminated cards read aloud at each gravesite
GuideDavid Heiby, Public Historian & Cemetery Superintendent
LocationWilkes Street Cemetery Complex, Alexandria, Virginia
Group Size21–25 participants — private groups only — not available for individual ticket purchase
ThemesEnslavement · Resistance · Military Service · Education · Civil Rights · Injustice
Ideal ForHeritage organizations · Faith communities · Schools & universities · Conference & corporate groups
Inquire About This Tour →

Practical Information

What to Expect

What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Water bottle
  • Camera or phone for photos
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Weather Policy

Tours proceed in light rain or mild weather. Rescheduling occurs only for:

  • Thunderstorms or lightning
  • Extreme heat warnings
  • Snow or icy conditions

We’ll contact you promptly if rescheduling is necessary.

Children & Accessibility

  • Children: Welcome on all tours — most engaging for ages 10+
  • Strollers: Not recommended due to uneven terrain and narrow paths
  • Service Animals: Permitted (certified service animals only)
  • Pets: Not permitted out of respect for cemetery grounds

Private Group Tours

Private and group tours are generally available Mondays and Tuesdays by advance request, as well as other days depending on scheduling.

  • Cemetery Tours: Private cemetery tours starting at $450 — contact for a quote based on group size
  • Custom Experiences: Contact for pricing and availability
  • Educational Groups: Complimentary tours available with advance arrangement

Final group size must be confirmed at least 48 hours before the tour date.


Getting Here

Meeting Locations & Directions

Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex

1475–1501 Wilkes Street, Alexandria, Virginia · Meet at Wilkes St & Hamilton Ave

Meeting point for the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex Tour, the Lee-Fendall House Cemetery Tour, and From Enslavement to Justice.

Need more detail? See our Plan Your Visit page for a map, full directions, and a free self-guided walking map of the complex.

By Car
  • Enter at 1300 Wilkes Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
  • Park near Wilkes Street & Hamilton Avenue intersection
  • Ample free parking available
By King Street Trolley (Free)
  • Take trolley to King St & West St stop
  • Walk south on South West Street for two blocks
  • Cross Roundhouse Lane and enter the small park
  • Continue to 1300 Wilkes Street entrance
  • Walk one block west to Hamilton Avenue & Wilkes Street
Walking from Old Town
  • Walk west on Wilkes Street for 1 mile from Lee Street Park tunnel

Old Presbyterian Meeting House

323 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 · Meet at the Meeting House

Meeting point for the “Rebellious Scoundrels” Meeting House Tour. The Meeting House is an active church — tours are scheduled around congregational life.

By Car
  • South Fairfax Street between Duke and Wolfe Streets in Old Town
  • Street parking available on surrounding Old Town blocks
By King Street Trolley (Free)
  • Take trolley to the King St & Fairfax St stop
  • Walk south on South Fairfax Street three blocks (about 5 minutes)
  • The Meeting House is on your left at 323 South Fairfax
By Metro
  • King Street Metro Station, then the free King Street Trolley toward the waterfront

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria Walking Tours FAQ

Are tours suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome on all tours. The historical content tends to be most engaging for ages 10 and up. Strollers are not recommended due to uneven cemetery terrain and narrow paths.

What if it rains?

Light rain won’t stop us — only severe weather conditions result in rescheduling. If we need to reschedule, we’ll contact you promptly with alternative arrangements.

How far in advance should I book?

Public tours generally require 24-hour advance notice, though same-day bookings may be possible with at least two hours’ notice if space permits. Same-day bookings are handled through our TripAdvisor ticketing platform. Private tours require 1–2 weeks’ advance notice.

How do I book the Meeting House tour?

“Rebellious Scoundrels” — our walking tour of the Old Presbyterian Meeting House sanctuary and churchyard — is offered exclusively through Gravestone Stories for private groups. Start with the tour page, where you can download the free self-guided brochure or submit a private group inquiry.

Do you offer group discounts?

Educational groups may qualify for complimentary tours with advance arrangement. Corporate and other group arrangements are considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact us directly to discuss your group’s needs.

What makes your tours different from other Alexandria tours?

Our Alexandria walking tours are led by a working historian who made the discoveries personally through decades of primary source research. You’ll hear stories unavailable anywhere else — including recently rediscovered graves like George Washington’s lost pallbearer. Every tour is led exclusively by David Heiby, cemetery superintendent and original site researcher.

Are the tours physically demanding?

Our Alexandria walking tours cover 1–1.5 miles on mostly flat terrain with some gentle hills. The ground can be uneven in places, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. We can adjust the pace for different fitness levels.

Can I bring my dog?

Only certified service animals are permitted, out of respect for cemetery grounds and other guests.

Are restrooms available?

Restrooms are not available within the cemetery grounds. We recommend planning accordingly before your tour begins.


Ready to Step Into History?

Book Your Tour Today

Book your spot on Viator for the Wilkes Street tour, check the Lee-Fendall House events page for the Cemetery Tour, or submit a private group inquiry for From Enslavement to Justice or Rebellious Scoundrels — David’s walking tours through Alexandria’s African American history and the Revolutionary patriots of the Old Presbyterian Meeting House.

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Response Time
Within 24 hours

Only in Alexandria · Only from Gravestone Stories

Page last updated: July 2026

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