Book a Tour | Historic Cemetery Walking Tours in Alexandria

Discover the fascinating lives buried in Alexandria’s most historic cemeteries.

Book a tour through Alexandria’s most historic cemeteries and step into the stories that shaped the nation. Gravestone Stories offers immersive, expert-led walking tours of the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex and other sacred sites across the city.

Whether you’re a history lover, genealogist, student, or visitor, our immersive tours connect you to Alexandria’s past like never before.

Upcoming Public Tours — Reserve Your Spot Today!

Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 11:00 AM
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex
$30 per person | 90-minute expert-guided tour
Meeting Point: Wilkes Street & Hamilton Avenue, near the Methodist Protestant Cemetery

Join us for a captivating walking tour exploring the lives of those buried in Alexandria’s most historic cemetery cluster. Hear fascinating stories of courage, mystery, and legacy from our professional historian guides. Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

What’s included: Expert guide, exclusive cemetery access, untold historical stories
Limited spots available – Reserve today!

Book Now – $30 →

Saturday, June 14, 2025 | 11:00 AM
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex
$30 per person | 90-minute expert-guided tour
Meeting Point: Wilkes Street & Hamilton Avenue, near the Methodist Protestant Cemetery

What’s included: Expert guide, exclusive cemetery access, untold historical stories
Limited spots available – Reserve today!

Book Now – $30 →

Tickets are sold securely through our trusted partner EVVNT. Click “Book Now” to complete your booking safely.

To see all upcoming tours, talks, and events, please visit our Master Calendar.

What People Are Saying

“Attended an excellent tour this morning with my DAR chapter of the Wilkes Street Cemetery led by historians David Heiby and Madeline Feierstein of @gravestonestoriesva. They were a wealth of knowledge about early U.S. and Virginia history. Fascinating!”
— Amy D., Daughter of the American Revolution Member

“Put this tour on your MUST see and do list if coming to DC! Dave is not just incredibly knowledgeable—he’s a master storyteller who brings history to life.”
— Jessica C., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review

Private & Custom Tours — Tailored Just for You

Looking for a personalized experience? We design custom tours perfect for:

Families and genealogy groups
Schools and universities
Corporate or nonprofit teams
Historical societies and community groups

📧 Email: dave@gravestonestories.com
📞 Phone/Text: (703) 869-0872

Why Choose Gravestone Stories?

Our tours aren’t ghost walks or dramatized reenactments—they’re grounded in real history, told at the final resting places of those who lived it.

Led by public historians and local experts—not actors
Based on original research, archival sources, and verified records
Focused on true stories from across Alexandria’s rich history—Revolutionary patriots, Civil War soldiers, Mexican-American War veterans, Indian Wars participants, spies, civilians, and the often overlooked

It’s a powerful way to experience Alexandria’s layered past—through the lives of those who shaped it.

Have Questions? Here Are the Basics at a Glance

Where do tours start?
At the Wilkes Street and Hamilton Avenue intersection near the Methodist Protestant Cemetery.
How long are the tours?
Typically 90 minutes — enough time to explore stories without rushing.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
Are tours accessible?
Some areas have paved paths, but the terrain can be uneven. Please get in touch with us for details or visit our FAQ page for more information.
Can I bring children or pets?
Please see our policy details on the FAQ page.

Want all the details?

Visit our FAQ page for answers about tour length, accessibility, group rates, and more.

Ready to Explore Alexandria’s Past?

Book your tour now and step into the stories waiting to be discovered.

Explore More on This Site

First time here? Use the sections below or browse the main menu to start exploring.

Join a Cemetery Tour

Step into history with our expert-led walking tours of Alexandria’s most storied cemeteries.

Book Now

David Heiby
Public Historian & Tour Leader

Reflections from a Recent Tour

“This morning’s tour of the Wilkes Street Cemetery with my DAR chapter was outstanding. Historians David Heiby and Madeline Feierstein of Gravestone Stories brought early U.S. and Virginia history to life with depth and insight. Truly fascinating!"
— Amy D., Daughter of the American Revolution member

"Put this tour on your MUST see and do list if coming to DC! Dave is not just incredibly knowledgeable—he’s a master storyteller who brings history to life.”

— Jessica C., Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐ Leave a Google Review

Invite Gravestone Stories to Speak

We offer engaging historical talks tailored to museums, genealogical societies, preservation groups, and other organizations interested in Alexandria’s rich past.

Our expert speakers bring Alexandria’s layered past to life—through compelling stories, original research, and engaging presentations tailored for your group or event.

Learn more about booking a talk.

Featured in the News

“Gravestone Stories brings forgotten voices back into view.”
— Emerging Civil War

Gravestone Stories has been recognized in both national and local outlets for its dedication to preserving Alexandria’s cemetery history:

Emerging Civil War – National feature highlighting our work in the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex
Visit Alexandria – Official tourism listing of our guided tours and historical research
The Zebra Press – Coverage of our storytelling mission and Ivy Hill’s recognition on the National Register

Looking for more coverage? Visit our Press Page → for recent features and media highlights.

Featured Blog Story

The final resting places of four civilian victims of the Black Diamond disaster are located at Alexandria National Cemetery, part of the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex.

Granite boulder memorial with bronze plaque honoring four civilian Quartermaster employees killed in the Black Diamond disaster, located in Alexandria National Cemetery. — **Within Alexandria National Cemetery, a solemn granite boulder stands near the central flagpole.** A bronze plaque on its face honors four civilian Quartermaster Department employees—Peter Carroll, George W. Huntington, Christopher Farley, and Samuel N. Gosnell—who lost their lives on April 24, 1865, during the pursuit of President Abraham Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth. These men are the only known victims of the Black Diamond disaster interred at Alexandria National Cemetery.

Terror on the Potomac: The Sad Story of the Black Diamond

In the chaotic days following Lincoln’s assassination, tragedy struck the Potomac River. In the early morning hours of April 24, 1865, the coal-carrying barge Black Diamond—positioned as part of a naval blockade to prevent John Wilkes Booth’s escape—was accidentally rammed by the steamer Massachusetts just before 1:00 a.m. Eighty-seven lives were lost, including paroled Union prisoners of war and four civilian employees of the U.S. Quartermaster Department from Alexandria, whose service and sacrifice are now largely forgotten.

Read the Full Story →

Featured Gravestone

Martin Swick

Civil War Soldier — Alexandria National Cemetery

A Private in the 126th Ohio Infantry, Martin Swick was mortally wounded at the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse in May 1864. Evacuated to Alexandria, he died at the Grosvenor Branch Hospital—now the Lee-Fendall House Museum, where his name appears in the original hospital register. Swick is buried in Grave A 816-60 at Alexandria National Cemetery. His wartime Bible, preserved by a descendant, is currently featured in a special exhibit at the Lee-Fendall House.

Buried in The Alexandria National Cemetery →

Martin Swick’s final resting place can be found in grave A 816-60 at the Alexandria National Cemetery, where his headstone stands as a silent tribute to his service and sacrifice.

Browse the Featured Gravestone Archive →

From the Alexandria Timeline

Alexandria’s First Memorial Day

In 1869, hundreds gathered at Alexandria National Cemetery to honor the fallen. The tradition endures—one gravestone at a time.

Read the story →

Rows of uniform white gravestones at Alexandria National Cemetery, each adorned with a small American flag for Memorial Day. The orderly markers stretch into the distance, honoring Union soldiers who were laid to rest during the Civil War. Established in 1862, it was the first national cemetery created during the conflict.

Discover Alexandria’s Burials by Cemetery

Are you wondering who lies beneath the stones? These featured stories offer just a glimpse into the lives buried in our historic cemeteries.

Major Samuel Cooper – Boston Tea Party participant and Revolutionary War officer
Wilmer McLean – His homes witnessed both the first and last battles of the Civil War
Fields Cook – African American leader in education and civil rights
Julius Campbell – Star player of the 1971 T.C. Williams Titans, portrayed in Remember the Titans, and a powerful symbol of Alexandria’s struggle and progress in civil rights
Joseph Bruin – Slave trader involved in the 1848 Pearl escape attempt

Explore Burials by Cemetery

Recent Discoveries & Rediscovered Graves

Col. George Gilpin Rediscovered (2024)
Revolutionary War officer and Washington’s pallbearer found after more than 200 years.
Read the Full Story →
Winter Archaeology at Wilkes Street
Ground-penetrating radar revealed long-lost burials—including firefighter Charles Glasscock and the Adam, Irwin, Dundas, and Black family plots.
Explore the Discoveries →

Explore the Full Alexandria Timeline

Step through the city’s past—one decade at a time. This interactive timeline connects the lives of those buried in Alexandria to the national and global events that shaped them.

Browse the Timeline →

Discover Alexandria’s Civil War Legacy

Civil War Tour of Alexandria National Cemetery - View of Wilkes Street Complex circa 1865 — Entrance to the Alexandria National Cemetery on Wilkes Street, approximately 1865. Retrieved from the Library of Congress.

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.

Explore at Your Own Pace

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.

Get the Brochure →

Gravestone Stories in the Community

No Upcoming Talks (for now!)

Our recent spring talks have wrapped up—but we’re already planning new events for later this year. Stay tuned for announcements!

Recent Appearances

May 7 – Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex Walking Tour
Nine members of the Mount Vernon Genealogical Society joined David Heiby for a guided walk through seven of the 13 historic cemeteries that make up the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex. The group explored stories spanning the Revolutionary War to the Civil Rights era—so many, in fact, that a second tour is already being discussed!

May 6 – D.A.R. Chapter Talk (Private)
A private presentation for the Richard Bland Lee Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution—an especially fitting audience given the chapter’s namesake family ties to the Lee-Fendall House.

May 2 – Lee-Fendall House Museum Wine & Art Night
David Heiby, Vice President of the Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation—which owns and operates the museum—attended this spring fundraiser celebrating women artists and local winemakers. The evening was featured in The Zebra, with photos capturing the vibrant gathering.
Read the article in The Zebra →

April 15 – Mount Vernon Genealogical Society
A full house joined us at the Hollin Hall Senior Center for a deep dive into Alexandria’s Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex—home to more than 35,000 stories of American history.

April 5 – Honoring Civil War Sacrifice
We marked the 160th anniversary of Grosvenor Branch Hospital’s closure at the Lee-Fendall House, reading the names of 10 Union soldiers buried in Alexandria.

See photos and more highlights »
Get tour updates by email »

Community Partners

Alexandria’s rich history is preserved and interpreted by dedicated organizations that engage the community through research, education, and historic site preservation.

Alexandria Historical Society
Promoting the city’s past through lectures, publications, and the upcoming Alexandria Digital Museum.
Lee-Fendall House Museum
Interpreting over 200 years of Alexandria history through one of its most storied homes. Owned and operated by the Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation.

Step into Alexandria’s Historic Cemeteries and Their Stories