David

I'm David Heiby, a public historian who specializes in Alexandria's historic cemeteries. After a successful career in business and entrepreneurship, I now serve as Superintendent of the Presbyterian Cemetery and Columbarium in Alexandria's Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, considered America's most historic cemetery cluster. I lead tours of Alexandria's cemeteries, nearby Civil War battlefields, and sites connected to Lincoln's assassination. As a licensed D.C. tour guide and Board Member of both the Alexandria Historical Society and the Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation, which owns and operates the Lee-Fendall House, I'm dedicated to preserving and sharing our region's rich history through tours, my cemetery-focused website, and community engagement.

Love and Legacy: The Story Behind Fort Myers, Florida’s Namesake

by

When Marion Isabelle Twiggs, the daughter of United States Army General David E. Twiggs, the commander of the United States forces in Texas, first met one of his staff officers, Colonel Abraham C. Myers, she immediately fell in love, sparking a romance that would leave a legacy in the naming of Fort Myers, Florida. Shortly … Read more

Wilmer Mclean: from Bull Run to Appomattox – a Story of War, Surrender, and Loss

by

Wilmer McLean (May 3, 1814 – June 5, 1882) Introduction The life and homes of Wilmer McLean are deeply intertwined with the American Civil War’s pivotal moments. From the first shots at Yorkshire to the final surrender at Appomattox Courthouse, McLean’s residences bore witness to the war’s profound impact on the nation. The McLean Legacy: … Read more

The Everleigh Club: the Notorious Brothel That Dominated Chicago from 1900 to 1911

by

The Everleigh Sisters Minna Simms, born on July 13, 1866, and passed away on September 16, 1948, along with Aida Lester Simms, born on February 15, 1865, and passed away on January 3, 1960, managed and ran a well-known brothel in Chicago from 1900 to 1911. Born into a wealthy family from Virginia that lost … Read more

The Most Visited Grave in Alexandria

by

Alexandria’s Mysterious Female Stranger In September of 1816, a couple arrived in Alexandria after a voyage from the West Indies, boarding at Gadsby’s Tavern. The woman, adorned in a black veil, sadly suffered from typhoid or yellow fever. Accompanied by a French-speaking valet and maid, they discreetly requested to keep their identities unknown. To tend … Read more

The Battle of the White House

by

The Overlooked Battle of the Potomac and its Historical Significance In the early stages of the War of 1812, American forces took decisive action in April 1813. They successfully captured York (present-day Toronto, Canada) and set it ablaze in a controversial move. This aggressive act was not without consequences. Following Napoleon’s defeat in Europe, the … Read more

The Ugliest Man in Britain

by

Often mocked for his unusual looks, John Wilkes was much more than his reputation as the Ugliest Man in Britain. Despite his misaligned eyes and striking features, he was a brilliant political thinker, a fierce advocate for free speech, and a man whose charm won over even his harshest critics. But how did a man once … Read more

First Flight: the Epic World Flight Mission of the United States Army Air Service in the 1920s

by

In the early 1920s, many countries wanted to be the first to fly Around-the-World- air flight successfully. The British tried in 1922 but failed, and then a French team tried in 1923. That same year, the Italians and the Portuguese said they would also try. The British also decided to give it another shot. The … Read more

Discover the Oldest Catholic Cemetery in Virginia: St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery

by

Historic Context The historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery is situated at 1000 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, and boasts a rich history dating all the way back to 1795. Holding the distinction of being the oldest Catholic Cemetery in Virginia, this sacred ground has become a testament to the passage of time. Within … Read more

The Alexandria National Cemetery

by

The Alexandria National Cemetery, originally called the Soldiers Cemetery, has over 4300 burials, including the graves of 249 United States Color Troops (U.S.C.T) who served in the Civil War. The cemetery is one of the first Federal cemeteries where white and black soldiers are buried together per a military order of 1864. The Alexandria National … Read more