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Alexandria National Cemetery Contrabands and Freedmens Cemetery

From Battlefield to Burial Ground: The USCT’s Fight for Equality at Alexandria National Cemetery

Introduction Discover the untold story of courage, sacrifice, and the fight for equality at Alexandria National Cemetery. This hallowed ground isn’t just a final resting place for Civil War soldiers; […]

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Old Presbyterian Meeting House

The Soldier Who Proposed a Crown: The Life and Legacy of Lewis Nicola

Early Life and Military Career Lewis Nicola was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1717 into a Huguenot family with a strong military tradition; both his father and grandfather served as […]

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Old Presbyterian Meeting House The Presbyterian Cemetery

“Mr. President”: The Historic Address at Wise’s Tavern and Its Role in Shaping American Etiquette

John Wise Sr., often called the “Tavern King of Alexandria,” was pivotal in shaping Alexandria’s social and cultural landscape during the late 18th century. His establishment, Wise’s Tavern, also known […]

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Historic Burial Grounds

Discover the History of the Quaker Burial Ground in Alexandria, Va: from Sacred Space to Modern Landmark

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 […]

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Notable Burials in Alexandria Old Presbyterian Meeting House

Dr. James Craik: George Washington’s Lifelong Friend and Physician | A Tale of Commitment and Friendship

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 […]

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Old Presbyterian Meeting House

Remembering Jean Robertson Elliot (1901-1999): a Poetic Journey Through Alexandria, Virginia

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 […]

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Old Presbyterian Meeting House

Unveiling the Remarkable Life and Impact of Dr. James Muir: a Prominent Figure in the Old Presbyterian Meeting House’s History

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 […]

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Contrabands and Freedmens Cemetery

The Contrabands and Freemans Cemetery: a Historic Burial Ground for Freedmen and Fugitive Slaves in Alexandria, Va

Situated at 1001 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, The Contrabands and Freemans Cemetery was founded in 1864 as a resting place for liberated individuals and escaped slaves who sought […]

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Old Presbyterian Meeting House The Presbyterian Cemetery

The Presbyterian Cemetery: a Historic Burial Ground Dating Back to 1809 in Alexandria, Virginia

The creation of the Presbyterian Cemetery was a reaction to the devastating yellow fever epidemic that hit Alexandria in 1803, resulting in the death of hundreds of its inhabitants and […]

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Old Presbyterian Meeting House

George Washington’s Funerals: Historic Commemorations at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House in Alexandria

A Nation Mourns The passing of a great figure often marks a pivotal moment in history, and George Washington’s departure on December 14, 1799, was no exception. In a surprising […]

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Alexandria National Cemetery Contrabands and Freedmens Cemetery

“Oh, give us a flag, All free without a slave”

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln held a New Year’s Day Reception at the White House. He shook so many hands of the dignitaries, officials, and members of the […]