On this day in 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross—a humanitarian force that would forever change the way the world responds to crisis. But what many don’t know is that Barton’s tireless mission was supported by a trusted aide from right here in Alexandria, Virginia.
Lucy Mariah Graves, born and raised at 623 S. Fairfax Street in Old Town, served as Barton’s private secretary during and after the Spanish-American War. With quiet resolve and administrative brilliance, Miss Graves accompanied Barton to Cuba and Europe, helping expand the Red Cross’s reach in some of its most formative years.
Buried in The Presbyterian Cemetery, Lucy Graves rests in Section 19:2, beside her brother, Captain Graves. A descendant of Captain Myles Standish, she carried forward a different kind of courage—the courage to serve. Her legacy, like Barton’s, lives on in every act of mercy performed under the Red Cross flag.
From colonial roots to global relief efforts, Alexandria’s stories continue to shape the American narrative—one life, one legacy at a time.