The Man Who Documented Liberia’s Constitutional Convention

Dr. James W. Lugenbeel gravestone Trinity Methodist Cemetery Alexandria - documented Liberia constitutional convention 1847 - carved open book symbol

The only surviving record of the Liberia constitutional convention lies in the journal of a man buried in Alexandria’s Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex A Grave with International Significance Walk through Trinity Methodist Cemetery in Alexandria’s Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, and you’ll encounter a weathered gravestone featuring the carved image of an open book. Most visitors pass by … Read more

Samuel Cooper: From Respected Army Officer to Confederate General

Samuel Cooper Confederate General: A Complex Legacy Few figures in American military history embody the complexities of loyalty and leadership like Samuel Cooper, a Confederate General whose legacy reflects the turbulent times of the Civil War. Born on June 12, 1798, in Dutchess County, New York, he began his military career as a U.S. Army … Read more

The Enduring Legacy of Colonel John Fitzgerald in Alexandria, Virginia

Introduction Colonel John Fitzgerald left an indelible mark on Alexandria, Virginia, through his military service, civic leadership, and close friendship with George Washington. Beyond his contributions, the legacy continued with his grandsons, who furthered the family’s prominence in American history. Though the location of Fitzgerald’s final resting place remains uncertain, his and his descendants’ contributions … Read more