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 […]
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.
Introduction General John Mason played a crucial role in the creation of the US National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” He sent Francis Scott Key on a mission during the War […]
In the Presbyterian Cemetery, you can find the resting place of Louis Cazenove (November 29, 1807 – March 7, 1852) and his wife, Harriot E. Tuberville Stuart (1823 – December […]
Anthony Charles Cazenove (April 6, 1775 – October 16, 1852) was an illustrious figure with a distinguished life, leaving behind a legacy that earned him immense respect both in his […]
Thomas Wells Childs, a courageous soldier known for his heroism during the Mexican War, rests in eternal peace at St. Paul’s Cemetery. Born on March 16, 1796, in Pittsburgh, Massachusetts, […]
In Alexandria’s Presbyterian Cemetery lies Thomas Tretcher (1760 – October 15, 1815), a notable figure with a fascinating history. During his teenage years, Tretcher served as an Able Seaman (AB), […]
John Thomas Newton, born on May 20, 1794, and passing away on July 28, 1858, finds his final resting place in Alexandria’s Presbyterian Cemetery. A distinguished figure in the early […]
If you haven’t read the first installment of this series, see Part 1 [here]. Paving the Way: The Washington and Alexandria Turnpike In 1808, Alexandria set its sights on a […]
To read part 2 of this blog, click [here]. The Lee-Fendall House: Alexandria’s Historical Beacon Situated at 614 Oronoco Street in Alexandria, Virginia, the Lee-Fendall House is more than just […]
Born on April 6, 1820, Major George Duffey was a third-generation silversmith in Alexandria and lived until July 10, 1895. He lies at rest in The Methodist Protestant Cemetery. His […]
Former First Lieutenant William Wolf Weisband (August 28, 1908 – May 14, 1967), a member of the U.S. Signal Corps, rests in Alexandria, Virginia’s Presbyterian Cemetery. During the Cold War, […]
Early Naval Career and Service Sydney Smith Lee (September 2, 1802 – July 22, 1869) was a member of the Lee Family and is buried in Christ Church Cemetery, along […]
In Alexandria’s Methodist Protestant Cemetery rests Joseph Bruin (1808 – 1882), a prominent figure known for his involvement in the slave trade. He ran one of the largest slave pens […]
Caroline Branham (1764 – March 13, 1843), enslaved at Mount Vernon and later at Arlington House, is buried in an unmarked grave at Christ Church without a gravestone. Arlington House […]
William Gregory III (born on March 3, 1789, and passed away on July 13, 1875) was originally from Kilmarnock, Scotland. He became well-known as a merchant in Alexandria, Virginia, after […]
