The Historic Presbyterian Cemetery: A Complete Guide

Essential Visitor Information

Quick Facts

  • Location: 600 Hamilton Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314
  • Phone: (703) 869-0872
  • Emailcemetery@opmh.org
  • Contact: David Heiby, Superintendent

Hours & Access

  • Vehicle Gates: Open 11 AM – 3 PM Saturdays and select holidays
  • Pedestrian Access: Available by code (contact Superintendent)
  • Weather Policy: Gates may close during inclement weather
  • Updates: Check here for current status

Visitor Guidelines

Historical Overview

Established in 1809, Presbyterian Cemetery has served the Old Presbyterian Meeting House community for over 200 years. Today, it remains an active burial ground with available plots and columbarium niches.

Cemetery Affiliation & Management

The Presbyterian Cemetery is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of Old Presbyterian Meeting House (OPMH) members. A Superintendent, who is also a member of the Meeting House, manages all day-to-day operations. While burial plots are available to the public, priority consideration is given to members of the Presbyterian Church and particularly to OPMH congregation members.

For more information about the Old Presbyterian Meeting House congregation, please visit OPMH’s website.

Services & Arrangements

Available Options

  • Traditional burial plots
  • Columbarium niches
  • Professional funeral assistance

Making Arrangements

Contact David Heiby, Superintendent

Interactive Features

Notable Burials

The Presbyterian Cemetery serves as the final resting place for over 2500 Alexandria citizens, including:

  • Dennis Ramsay (1756-1810) – Early Alexandria mayor (1788-1789) and honorary pallbearer at George Washington’s funeral
  • Lewis McKenzie (1810-1895) – Mayor, congressman, and railroad pioneer who helped establish West Virginia
  • William Gregory (Scottish immigrant) – President of Alexandria’s Farmer’s Merchant Bank (1847-1866) and last surviving member of the Alexandria Blues who fought at the Battle of the White House
  • E.E. Downham – Distinguished Alexandria mayor
  • John Thomas Newton – U.S. Navy pioneer and celebrated commander
  • Philip Richard Fendall II (1794-1868) – Princeton graduate, prominent lawyer, assistant secretary of the American Colonization Society, and member of the influential Fendall-Lee family. His attempt to pay taxes on Arlington House during the Civil War led to its eventual transformation into Arlington National Cemetery
  • Robert Young – Cavalry leader at Washington’s funeral and constructor of the Duke Street slave pen 

To discover the stories of over 100 notable individuals buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery, including early mayors, military leaders, merchants, and prominent citizens who shaped Alexandria’s history, visit our Presbyterian Cemetery Notable Burials page.

Stay Connected

For announcements and updates, visit the Presbyterian Cemetery’s Facebook page by clicking here.

Location & Directions

Please see the map below showing the Presbyterian Cemetery’s location within the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex in Alexandria, Virginia.