Discover the Most Historic Cluster of Cemeteries in the United States – Alexandria’s Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex – Our City’s Best-Kept Secret!
Experience the best Alexandria history tours at this unparalleled site. Our unique journey through time brings Alexandria’s fascinating past to life from 1749 to today, all within this extraordinary collection of historic cemeteries.
PLEASE NOTE:
Guided tours are on hiatus for the winter season and will resume no earlier than spring, as we navigate both the colder months and ongoing medical recovery. History, however, is always alive here at Gravestone Stories!
We invite you to:
Dive into our blog, for untold stories and hidden connections from Alexandria’s history.
Explore over 200 fascinating historical narratives that bring Alexandria’s rich past to life.
Discover self-guided resources with detailed maps and visiting tips to guide your own explorations.
Thank you for your patience and support—we look forward to walking with you again when warmer days return!
Educational Mission Statement
At Gravestone Stories, we aim to make Alexandria’s rich history easy to understand and enjoyable for everyone. Led by passionate volunteers who are dedicated local historians, our tours bring to life the untold stories of Alexandria’s past—from its founding in 1749 to its role in shaping modern America.
Our guides are active members of historical organizations like the Alexandria Historical Society and the Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation. They share their knowledge not only through tours but also by giving lectures on Alexandria’s history. We also offer free educational tours for non-profits, educators, and historical societies, helping to preserve and share our city’s cultural heritage.
Join us to explore Alexandria’s history through our tours and lectures and discover how the past connects to the present.
Why Our History Tours Are Special
At Gravestone Stories, we believe history should be fun and easy to understand. Our team consists entirely of passionate volunteers who love teaching history and lead tours as part of our mission to educate the public. We’re dedicated to telling stories about the people who made our city what it is today. Here’s what makes our tours unique:
- Big Picture History: Trace Alexandria’s growth from a colonial port to a vibrant modern city.
- Fantastic Stories: Hear incredible tales about the people who shaped Alexandria and America.
- Deep Dive into History: We dig into old records, letters, and documents to uncover forgotten stories you won’t find in history books!
- See How Everything Connects: Learn how different parts of history fit together like puzzle pieces.
- Meet Historical Figures: Encounter a wide range of characters who influenced Alexandria and the nation.
- Volunteer-Led: Our passionate guides, all volunteers, are committed to sharing Alexandria’s rich history and conducting their own research to keep the past alive.
- Uncover Hidden Narratives: Explore the most historic cluster of cemeteries in the United States, right here in Alexandria.
Don’t miss your chance to explore the most historic cluster of cemeteries in the United States. Book your Gravestone Stories tour today!
Our Cemetery Tours
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex Tour (90 minutes)
Our flagship tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Alexandria’s most significant burial grounds. Discover the origins of the cemetery complex and learn about remarkable individuals interred here, representing both local and national history from the Revolutionary War to the present day.
Additional Specialized Tours
In addition to our main Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex Tour, we offer several specialized tours focused on specific aspects of Alexandria’s rich history:
- Civil War Tour: Explore Alexandria’s pivotal role during the Civil War through the stories of those laid to rest here.
- Black History Tour: Journey through African American history in Alexandria, from the pre-Civil War era to the Civil Rights movement.
- 20th Century Alexandria Tour: Uncover captivating local stories that shaped modern Alexandria.
- Early Alexandria Tour: Step back in time to meet Alexandria’s Founding Fathers, Patriots, and Pioneers.
- Alexandria Firefighters Tour: Honor the heroic legacy of Alexandria’s firefighters and their contributions to the city.
Please note that availability for these specialized tours may be limited. Contact us for current schedules and booking information.
All tours are led by our passionate volunteer guides, dedicated to sharing Alexandria’s rich history through thoroughly researched narratives and engaging storytelling.
Discover Alexandria’s Rich History Through Its Notable Burials:
Explore over 200 remarkable individuals in Alexandria’s historic cemeteries, including:
- Wilmer McLean’s improbable witness to both the first and last battles of the Civil War.
- The overlooked 1814 Potomac River naval battle that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
- Dennis Ramsay, who first addressed George Washington as “Mr. President.”
- The daring 1848 slave escape attempt aboard the schooner “The Pearl.”
- Alexandria’s connection to the tragic aftermath of Little Bighorn.
- The inspiring journey of T.C. Williams High School’s “Remember the Titans” football team.
- Victims of the forgotten “Black Diamond” steamship disaster on the Potomac River.
- Courageous United States Colored Troops (USCTs) who fought for freedom and equality.
Recently Added or Highlighted Stories:
We’re constantly uncovering new tales from Alexandria’s past. Here are some of our latest discoveries:
- The Henderson Children—A Tale of Loss in Early Alexandria: Discover the poignant story of two young lives cut short. They are the children of the legendary Marine Corps Commandant, “The Grand Old Man,” whose small graves reveal the personal sacrifices behind a historic military legacy.
- John Wesley Hollensbury’s Spite House: Explore the tale of Alexandria’s narrowest home, a 7-foot-wide architectural oddity built by a 19th-century brickmaker. Was it truly spite or something more? Uncover the surprising story behind this internationally famous landmark and the man who created it.
- Robert I. Taylor: Patriot’s Descendant, Firefighter’s Sacrifice: Uncover the heroic tale of an Improved Order of Red Men member who gave his life battling Alexandria’s devastating Dowell China Shop fire in 1855. His legacy, etched in stone, reveals a connection between Revolutionary War heritage and 19th-century civic duty.
These fascinating stories are just a glimpse into Alexandria’s rich historical tapestry. There are hundreds more waiting to be discovered.
Plan Your Visit: Essential Tour Information
IMPORTANT UPDATE: All tours are currently on hold due to medical circumstances. While we look forward to resuming tours in the future, we encourage you to explore our extensive self-guided resources and historical archives. We appreciate your understanding.
- Duration:
- Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex Tour: 90 minutes
- Specialized Tours: 1.5-2 hours (varies by tour)
- Distance: 1-1.5 miles.
Tour Contributions:
- Standard Tour: $30 per person.
- Credit card processing may add fees.
- Discounts are available for youth and groups of 15+.
- Complimentary tours are offered to historical societies, museum docents, and educators, reflecting our commitment to education and collaboration with historical organizations. Prearrangement is required to ensure availability.
- Available for both public group tours and private, customized experiences.
Your contributions allow us to continue providing educational, volunteer-led tours and help cover essential costs such as research, historical preservation, and the maintenance of our resources. We also partner with non-profits, leading free educational tours to further our mission of making history accessible to everyone.
- Weather Policy: Tours proceed in mild conditions; rescheduled for extreme weather.
- What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Weather-appropriate clothing.
- Water bottle.
- Bug spray (recommended in summer).
- Note: No restrooms are available in the cemetery complex.
Have more questions? Check out our [FAQs] for answers to common queries about our tours.
Our History-Loving Team:
Our guides are more than just tour leaders—they’re dedicated local historians who bring Alexandria’s past to life:
- Diverse Backgrounds, United by Passion: Our team comes from various professional fields but shares an unwavering enthusiasm for history.
- Active in the Historical Community:
- Alexandria Historical Society (Board Member)
- Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation (Board Member)
- The Trust operates The Lee-Fendall House
- Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association (Board of Directors)
- Extensive Tour Experience: Our team specializes in cemetery tours that uncover Alexandria’s hidden narratives, bringing history to life through the stories of those interred in our historic burial grounds. In addition, we offer a wide range of other historical tours:
- Alexandria-focused tours:
- Civil War walking tours
- Firefighting history tours
- Beyond Alexandria:
- Civil War battlefield tours (including Antietam, South Mountain, and Harpers Ferry)
- Lincoln Assassination Tour
- Alexandria-focused tours:
- Continuous Learning: Our guides regularly conduct historical research, uncovering new insights into Alexandria’s fascinating past and the broader context of American history.
- Sharing Knowledge Beyond Tours: Team members frequently give talks and presentations on specialized historical topics, contributing to public education and awareness (Check out our Photo page to see our guides in action!)
- Certified Expertise: Our team includes a licensed Washington, D.C. tour guide, adding depth to our exploration of Alexandria’s history in the broader context of the region.
We’re proud to share Alexandria’s stories and demonstrate how our city’s history is interwoven with the larger narrative of America. Join us for a tour and experience the passion and knowledge that our team brings to every historical journey.
Explore More of Alexandria’s History:
Our Blog: A Treasure Trove of Alexandria’s Past:
Discover over 90 carefully researched stories about Alexandria’s historical figures. Recent highlights include:
- George Gilpin: Revolutionary Hero and Alexandria’s Unsung Architect
- From Crisis to Chronicle: The Yellow Fever Epidemic and the Evolution of Alexandria’s Historic Cemeteries
- From Battlefield to Burial Ground: The USCT’s Fight for Equality at Alexandria National Cemetery
Join us on a journey through time, one story at a time. Our blog posts show how Alexandrians’ lives connect to America’s bigger story.
Additional Resources:
- Cemeteries and Notable Burials: Discover over 200 intriguing life stories.
- Historical Background: Uncover the origins of Alexandria’s cemeteries.
- Self-Guided Tours: Access our cemetery guides and maps.
- Photo Gallery: View highlights from past tours and events.
What Visitors Say About Our Alexandria History Tours
As featured by Visit Alexandria Now, the Alexandria Visitor’s Center, and The Zebra. Our tours are consistently ranked as the best Alexandria history experience by fellow guides and visitors.
Our Alexandria history tours offer a unique look at the city’s past. We invite you to join us and be part of Alexandria’s story.
Have questions or need more information? We’re here to help.
Stay Connected
Don’t miss out on our latest historical discoveries and tour updates. Follow us on Facebook and our regularly updated blog.