The Old Presbyterian Meeting House located at 323 S. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 is an active congregation in the Presbyterian Church (USA), that celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2022.
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 officers in the British army. Following in their footsteps, Nicola began his military career as an ensign in 1740. He rose through the ranks to … Read more
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 as the Globe Tavern, Bunch of Grapes, and Abert’s Tavern, located at 201 North Fairfax Street, was central to a significant moment in American history. … Read more
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 a remarkable career. After his studies, he served as a surgeon in the British Army, with postings in the West Indies, before making a life-changing … Read more
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 early years were marked by tragedy, losing her mother to typhoid fever when she was nine. The Robertson family moved to Bronxville, New York, where … Read more
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 wove together faith, leadership, compassion, and historical significance, left an indelible mark on the Old Presbyterian Meeting House and its community. His story, filled with … Read more
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 surpassing the capacity of the local town and church burial areas. In 1804, the town’s local council implemented a regulation preventing the sale of additional … Read more
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 turn of events, he succumbed to a brief two-day illness, leaving behind a nation in mourning. His funerals and the historic commemorations held at the … 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.
