Introduction and Brief History
Established in 1809 for the Old Presbyterian Meeting House members, the Presbyterian Cemetery in Alexandria, VA, has served as an active burial ground for over 200 years. With a rich history, the Presbyterian Cemetery is a significant landmark in Alexandria, Virginia.
Affiliation with the Old Presbyterian Meeting House
The Presbyterian Cemetery is an integral extension of the Old Presbyterian Meeting House (OPMH), an inclusive, justice-seeking congregation in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. The cemetery was initially chartered to provide suitable burial plots for Presbyterians and other Christians. Priority is given to members of the Presbyterian Church and particularly to members of the Meeting House congregation. This close relationship between the cemetery and the OPMH highlights the historical and spiritual significance of the burial ground within the Presbyterian community.
For more information on the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, please visit their website at https://opmh.org.
Notable Burials
The Presbyterian Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable individuals who contributed to Alexandria’s rich history. Some of the most prominent burials include Lewis McKenzie, a distinguished civic figure who served as Mayor and congressman and was a key contributor to the formation of West Virginia; Captain Charles McKnight, the commanding captain of the Independent Blues in the Battle of the White House and innkeeper of McKnight’s Tavern; and William Bartleman, a merchant, mason, and veteran of the War of 1812.
Other notable burials include John Thomas Newton, an honored pioneer of the U.S. Navy and celebrated commander; Philip Richard Fendall, a contributor to the Washington Monument’s construction who met with resistance when attempting to pay tax on The Arlington House; and Robert Young, a cavalry leader at George Washington’s funeral and constructor of Alexandria’s notorious slave pen at 1315 Duke Street.
To learn more about these notable burials at the Presbyterian Cemetery and explore their fascinating stories, please visit our Presbyterian Cemetery Notable Burials page.
Location and Visitation Rules
The Presbyterian Cemetery is at 600 Hamilton Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314. Visitors to the Presbyterian Cemetery should be aware of the following access hours and rules:
Hours: Vehicle gates open 11 am-3 pm on Saturdays and some holidays, subject to weather conditions and staff availability. Please visit our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on Saturday openings. The pedestrian gate is accessible by code at other times.
Rules: See the brochure at Gravestone Stories for details on decorations, dog walking, and other guidelines.
Operational Management
The Superintendent manages all funeral services at The Presbyterian Cemetery, offering compassionate assistance to families arranging funerals and overseeing plot and niche purchases at Presbyterian Cemetery. This dedicated approach ensures a respectful and supportive atmosphere for the community’s needs. If you have any questions or need help, please contact David Heiby, the Superintendent, at (703) 869-0872 or by email at cemetery@opmh.org.
Plot Purchases
Plots and Columbarium niches are currently available for purchase at the Presbyterian Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia. To inquire or discuss purchase details, please get in touch with David Heiby, Superintendent, at (703) 869-0872 or via email at cemetery@opmh.org.
Access Information
Vehicle gates are open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and some holidays. The pedestrian gate entrance code can be obtained by contacting the Superintendent.
During inclement weather, it’s important to note that the vehicle gates might not be open. If you want to stay informed about any changes, please check our Facebook page, where up-to-date announcements are posted.
Stay Informed
For announcements and updates, visit the Presbyterian Cemetery’s Facebook page by clicking here.
Map Reference
Please look at the map below for the Presbyterian Cemetery location within the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex in Alexandria, Virginia.
