Wilkes Street Complex

The Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex is located at the Southwest Corner of S. Payne and Wilkes Street. There are 13 cemeteries within the 82-acre complex.

Anthony Charles Cazenove: an Influential Citizen, Swiss Consul, and Accompanier of Marque De Lafayette to George Washington’s Grave

by

Anthony Charles Cazenove (April 6, 1775 – October 16, 1852) was an illustrious figure with a distinguished life, leaving behind a legacy that earned him immense respect both in his homeland and abroad. His final resting place is Alexandria’s Presbyterian Cemetery. Throughout his lifetime, Cazenove played significant roles in various arenas, earning a reputation as … Read more

Thomas Wells Childs: the Heroic Soldier from the Mexican War Buried in St. Paul’s Cemetery

by

Thomas Wells Childs, a courageous soldier known for his heroism during the Mexican War, rests in eternal peace at St. Paul’s Cemetery. Born on March 16, 1796, in Pittsburgh, Massachusetts, Childs’ life was marked by exceptional dedication to his country. Having displayed a strong sense of duty and leadership potential, Childs was admitted to the … Read more

Discover the Untold Story of Thomas Tretcher: from Teenager on Captain Cook’s Third Voyage to Merchant Ship’s Captain in Alexandria

by

In Alexandria’s Presbyterian Cemetery lies Thomas Tretcher (1760 – October 15, 1815), a notable figure with a fascinating history. During his teenage years, Tretcher served as an Able Seaman (AB), a rank above an Ordinary Seaman, on Captain Cook’s Third Voyage, which took place from 1776 to 1780. It was during this momentous expedition that … Read more

John Thomas Newton: a Respected Navy Officer and Hero of the War of 1812

by

John Thomas Newton, born on May 20, 1794, and passing away on July 28, 1858, finds his final resting place in Alexandria’s Presbyterian Cemetery. A distinguished figure in the early history of the United States Navy, Newton’s legacy is etched in his remarkable 48-year service to the nation, commencing in 1809. Notably, he held the … Read more

Major George Duffey: Alexandria’s Silversmith & Confederate Soldier. A Fascinating Historical Journey

by

Born on April 6, 1820, Major George Duffey was a third-generation silversmith in Alexandria and lived until July 10, 1895. He lies at rest in The Methodist Protestant Cemetery. His grandfather, John Duffey, was responsible for crafting the silver trowel used by President George Washington on September 18, 1793, to lay the cornerstone of the … Read more

The Spy Buried in Alexandria: Unraveling the Tale of Lieutenant William Weisband and the Impact on American Intelligence

by

Former First Lieutenant William Wolf Weisband (August 28, 1908 – May 14, 1967), a member of the U.S. Signal Corps, rests in Alexandria, Virginia’s Presbyterian Cemetery. During the Cold War, he assumed a civilian role within the Armed Forces Security Agency (AFSA). He discovered that American cryptanalysts had deciphered the encrypted communications of the Soviet … Read more

Discover the Legacy of Sydney Smith Lee: Celebrated Naval Officer and Brother of Robert E. Lee

by

Early Naval Career and Service Sydney Smith Lee (September 2, 1802 – July 22, 1869) was a member of the Lee Family and is buried in Christ Church Cemetery, along with twenty-six other individuals with the Lee surname. He was the older brother of Robert E. Lee (January 19, 1807 – October 12, 1870). Sydney’s … Read more

Uncovering Alexandria’s Dark History: the Slave Dealer and Jail That Inspired Uncle Tom’s Cabin

by

In Alexandria’s Methodist Protestant Cemetery rests Joseph Bruin (1808 – 1882), a prominent figure known for his involvement in the slave trade. He ran one of the largest slave pens in Alexandria during his time. In 1844, Bruin acquired a brick Federal-style building located at 1707 Duke Street, along with adjacent acreage, to use as … Read more

Caroline Branham: the Enslaved Chambermaid Who Witnessed George Washington’s Final Moments

by

Caroline Branham (1764 – March 13, 1843), enslaved at Mount Vernon and later at Arlington House, is buried in an unmarked grave at Christ Church without a gravestone. Arlington House was built and owned by George Washington Parke Custis (April 30, 1781 – October 10, 1857). Caroline served as the chambermaid to Martha Dandridge Washington … Read more

Discover the Fascinating Life of William Gregory: from Scottish Roots to Alexandria Legacy.

by

William Gregory III (born on March 3, 1789, and passed away on July 13, 1875) was originally from Kilmarnock, Scotland. He became well-known as a merchant in Alexandria, Virginia, after immigrating to the United States in 1807. From 1847 to 1866, he served as the President of the Alexandria branch of the Farmer’s Merchant Bank. … Read more

Major Samuel Cooper: a Boston Tea Party Participant and Revolutionary War Hero

by

Buried in Alexandria’s Christ Church Cemetery is Major Samuel Cooper. He lived from June 13, 1757, to August 19, 1840. When he was 16 years old, he participated in the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773, as a member of the Sons of Liberty. During the event, they threw over 340 tea chests (92,000 … Read more

Dr. James Carson, a War of 1812 Veteran recently honored for his service!

by

Dr. James Carson, buried in Christ Church Cemetery (1773 – September 9, 1855), was a War of 1812 Veteran recently honored for his service by National Society United States Daughters of 1812 members. During the War of 1812, he was a 1st Lieutenant in the Alexandria Artillery, commanded by Greenberry Griffith (May 20, 1787 – October 25, … Read more

Discover the Mason Family Legacy: Buried in Christ Church Episcopal Cemetery

by

Records indicate that at least twenty-one immediate members of the Mason family are buried in the historic Christ Church Episcopal Cemetery in the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, even more if you count those from intermarriages.  General John Mason Many of them made significant contributions to the United States. For example, John Mason (April 4, 1766 … Read more

The Black Diamond Disaster: Civilian Lives Lost in the Hunt for Lincoln’s Assassin

by

In the tumultuous days following President Lincoln’s assassination, a lesser-known tragedy unfolded on the Potomac River. As the nation grappled with the loss of its leader and the hunt for his killer intensified, a collision between two vessels resulted in the deaths of 87 people, including recently freed Union soldiers and civilian volunteers. This is … Read more

James Murray Mason: Author of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850

by

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, authored by James Mason, stands as one of the most contentious laws in American history. As a U.S. Senator from Virginia, Mason introduced this legislation as part of the Compromise of 1850, requiring the return of escaped slaves to their owners, even from free states. This act, formally known … Read more