American Civil War
Join us for the Civil War Tour of Alexandria National Cemetery. Local expert Madeline Feierstein leads this exciting tour. You’ll learn about: Alexandria, under Union control Why national cemeteries matter Stories of buried soldiers Wartime hospitals and prisons Black troops in the Civil War See how soldiers lived and why they came to Alexandria. Get … Read more
Introduction Discover the untold story of courage, sacrifice, and the fight for equality at Alexandria National Cemetery. This hallowed ground isn’t just a final resting place for Civil War soldiers; it’s a powerful testament to the bravery of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) both on and off the battlefield. From their valiant efforts at … Read more
Introduction Park Agnew, a name synonymous with Alexandria’s industrial growth and political dynamism, left an indelible mark on the city’s history. Born in 1847 as John Park Agnew, he became better known by his abbreviated moniker, Park Agnew. His life story is one of entrepreneurial success, civic leadership, and familial devotion. This article delves into … Read more
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
Take a guided walking tour of Alexandria, Virginia’s historic Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, one of the most fascinating places in the United States. Hear the true stories of Alexandrians who lived in and helped shape our city and country, some of whose lives were sometimes stranger than fiction. Tours run between 90- minutes and two … Read more
Take a guided walking tour of Alexandria, Virginia’s historic Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, one of the fascinating places in the United States. Hear the true stories of Alexandrians who lived in and helped shape our city and country, some of whose lives were sometimes stranger than fiction. Tours run between 90- minutes and two hours … Read more
Take a guided walking tour of Alexandria, Virginia’s historic Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, one of the fascinating places in the United States. Hear the true stories of Alexandrians who lived in and helped shape our city and country, some of whose lives were sometimes stranger than fiction. Tours run between 90- minutes and two hours … Read more
Take a guided walking tour of Alexandria, Virginia’s historic Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, one of the fascinating places in the United States. Hear the true stories of Alexandrians who lived in and helped shape our city and country, some of whose lives were sometimes stranger than fiction. Tours run between 90- minutes and two hours … Read more
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
Situated at 1001 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, The Contrabands and Freemans Cemetery was founded in 1864 as a resting place for liberated individuals and escaped slaves who sought refuge in the town following the arrival of Federal troops on May 24, 1861. Contrabands of War On May 24, 1861, shortly after Virginia’s secession, … Read more
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
Private Charles W. Needham is buried in Section A, Site 875, at the Alexandria National Cemetery. He suffered a fatal head injury during the Battle of Aldie, in a charge led by Captain Charles Francis Adams, the grandson and great-grandson of two American Presidents. Private Needham served in the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry and enlisted at … Read more
Gazaway Bugg Lamar (October 3, 1798 – October 5, 1874) was a prominent figure in the American business landscape of the 19th century, hailing from Georgia. His legacy is etched in various entrepreneurial pursuits, spanning banking, cotton trading, shipbuilding, and steamship technology innovation. Born and initially raised in Augusta, Georgia, Lamar’s business acumen started to … Read more
“I have seen Him in the Watch-fires of a Hundred Circling Camps!” Following the Union’s defeat at the First Bull Run (or Manassas) on July 21, 1861, they embarked on an ambitious project to safeguard their capital city in the event of a Confederate attack. They initiated the construction of a formidable defensive line comprising … Read more
On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln held a New Year’s Day Reception at the White House. He shook so many hands of the dignitaries, officials, and members of the general public who attended that afterward, he was afraid his hands would shake when signing The Emancipation Proclamation later that day. The proclamation changed the … Read more
