Buried in Alexandria, Virginia’s Presbyterian Cemetery, is Samuel Richard Johnston (March 16, 1833 – December 24, 1899), who some blame for Lee’s defeat at Gettysburg. Born at West Grove Johnston was born at West Grove, his family’s plantation south of Alexandria, now the Belle Haven Golf Course and Country Club site. West Grove was constructed … Read more
The Lee-Fendall House Legacy Philip Richard Fendall II, born on December 18, 1794, and passing on February 16, 1868, was a significant figure in American history. He spent his formative years in the Lee-Fendall House, a historic residence built by his father, Philip Richard Fendall, in 1785. This house stands as a testament to the … Read more
On January 28, 1922, after two days of being stuck at home because of the biggest snowstorm in Washington D.C’s history, Thomas Fleming (January 25, 1851 – January 28, 1922), John Paton Fleming (April 14, 1898 – January 28, 1922), and Mary Lee Fleming (April 7, 1892 – January 28, 1922) decided to go and … Read more
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 (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 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
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 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
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
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
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, 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
Step into history with our expert-led walking tours of Alexandria’s most storied cemeteries.
Our June 2024 tour was featured on the front page of the Alexandria Times in honor of the Alexandria Archaeology Commission’s 50th anniversary.
Wilmer McLean’s now-famous quote captures his remarkable role in the American Civil War. The first major battle erupted on his farm near Bull Run, and four years later, his parlor in Appomattox hosted the surrender of General Robert E. Lee to Ulysses S. Grant—marking the war’s end on April 9, 1865. McLean’s final chapter unfolded in Alexandria, where he is buried in St. Paul’s Cemetery within the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex.
Alva Lee Harvey: The Aviator Who Helped Launch the First Flight Around the World
On April 6, 1924, Staff Sergeant Alva Harvey departed Seattle to circumnavigate the globe by air. Though his plane crashed in Alaska, Harvey’s legacy in aviation soared through WWII and beyond.
Buried in The Presbyterian Cemetery, Alexandria, VA.
Read Alva’s Full Story →
Browse the Featured Gravestone Archive →
Explore Alexandria’s Notable Burials
Curious who’s buried in Alexandria? Here are just a few:
Read the Full Story → Explore the Discoveries →
Alexandria was the first Southern city seized by Union forces—just one day after Virginians voted to secede. Its cemeteries, hospitals, and historic homes became central to the Civil War’s human story.
Explore the lives of soldiers, civilians, contrabands, and spies who shaped Alexandria’s wartime legacy.
Want to explore on your own schedule?
Download our printable brochure and enjoy a self-guided walk through Alexandria’s most historic cemeteries—featuring 35,000+ stories in one extraordinary complex.
Tuesday, April 15 – 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Hollin Hall Senior Center, Room 218
Join David Heiby for a talk with the Mount Vernon Genealogical Society:
The Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex – an introduction to America’s most historic cluster of burial grounds and the 35,000+ stories they hold.
All are welcome!
Discover photos from our tours, talks, and commemorations honoring Alexandria’s history and those who shaped it. View More Highlights
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.
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.
