Origins of the Quaker Cemetery In Alexandria, the Quaker community established a burial site in 1784 on Queen Street, near its intersection with Washington Street. This site replaced an earlier […]
Author: David
Hello! I'm David Heiby, a passionate public historian dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Alexandria, Virginia, and the surrounding region. After a fulfilling career as a businessman and entrepreneur, I now serve as the Superintendent of the historic Presbyterian Cemetery and Columbarium, part of the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex in Alexandria.
I lead tours of the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, considered the most historic cluster of cemeteries in the United States, and nearby Civil War battlefields, including Harpers Ferry, South Mountain, and Antietam. I also trace the footsteps of those involved in the Assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in April 1865. As a licensed tour guide in Washington, D.C., I offer unique insights into the nation's capital.
I manage a comprehensive website dedicated to Alexandria's cemeteries and am an active Board Member of the Alexandria Historical Society and the Lee-Fendall House Museum.
Join me in exploring Alexandria's captivating past through cemetery or battlefield tours, visiting my website, or connecting with me on social media. I'm pleased to bring the city's history to life and serve my community meaningfully.
Early Life and Education Dr. James Craik’s journey began in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, where he was born. He pursued medical education at the prestigious University of Edinburgh, setting the stage for […]
Thomson Francis Mason was born into the prestigious Mason family of Virginia in 1785. He was educated at Princeton and became a successful lawyer. He served as a judge, planter, […]
The Legacy of a Distinguished Lee: Edmund Jennings Lee I’s Impact on Law and Society. Early Life and Family Heritage Edmund Jennings Lee I, a beacon of legal prowess and […]
William Bartleman’s life journey from his birthplace in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, to his multifaceted legacy in the United States is a story of resilience, community involvement, and unwavering […]
Introduction: A Life of Prominence and Varied Roles Robert Young, a notable figure born on December 27, 1768, left an indelible mark on his community through his multifaceted life. Engaging […]
Introduction: A Life Rooted in History and Community Born as the son of William Ramsay, a founding figure of Alexandria and its first Mayor, Colonel Dennis Ramsay’s upbringing at the […]
Early Life and Formation Born on July 12, 1901, in Yonkers, New York, Jean Pirnie Robertson’s life would be defined by her adventurous spirit and unwavering passion for poetry. Her […]
Introduction The story of Robert W. Bell intertwines the threads of community involvement and entrepreneurial spirit in the 19th century. Born in 1809, Bell’s journey took him from the Isle […]
Preserving Legacy Amidst Abandonment: The Tale of Douglass Memorial Cemetery Established in 1895, Douglass Memorial Cemetery stands as a testament to the history and struggles of African Americans in the […]
Guardian of Farewell: An Enduring Legacy In the heart of history-rich Alexandria, an unassuming figure stands tall among the annals of time. Reverend James Muir, D.D., a man whose life […]
Introduction In the annals of American history, there are families whose stories resonate with dedication, valor, and service. One such family is the Steuart family, a prominent clan of 11 […]
Robert F. Prettyman, a revered carriage maker, rests peacefully within Alexandria’s Presbyterian Cemetery. His legacy endures through the iconic hose-reel carriage crafted for the Friendship Fire Company, where he held […]
Emanuel Ethelbert Downham was a prominent figure in Alexandria, commonly known as E.E. Downham (March 23, 1839 – September 17, 1921). Originally from New Jersey, he arrived in Alexandria in […]
Francis Lee Smith, Jr. (October 1845 – August 25, 1916) finds his final resting place in the Presbyterian Cemetery. During his time as a VMI Cadet, he bravely fought in […]
