Getting to the Tours
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex:
1475-1501 Wilkes St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex tours start and end at the intersection of Wilkes Street and Hamilton Avenue (see map below).
Driving:
Please enter the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex at 1300 Wilkes Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Once inside the complex, proceed further to the intersection of Wilkes Street and Hamilton Avenue. This is the location where Wilkes Street tours begin.
Ample parking is available within the complex near the meeting point.
Walking:
From Old Town and the Alexandria Visitors Center at 221 King Street.
Start by walking 2 blocks towards the river until you reach Union Street. Turn right onto Union Street, heading south. Continue for 5 blocks until you arrive at 501 South Union Street, the location of Windmill Hill Park, also known as Lee Street Park. Use the pedestrian/bike path and walk through the Wilkes Street Tunnel.
After passing through the tunnel, continue walking west on Wilkes Street for 1 mile. This will bring you to the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex.
From the Carlyle and Eisenhower Valley Neighborhoods.
Starting from the intersection of Holland Lane & Jamieson Avenue in the Eisenhower East section, head east on Jamieson Avenue. Nearby at 500 Holland Lane, is the African American Heritage Park. The African-American Heritage Memorial Park, part of the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, covers a one-acre 19th-century cemetery with 21 known burials. Six original headstones remain on site. Continue walking until you reach Hooff’s Run.
Cross over Hooff’s Run using the historic Hooff’s Run Bridge, the last remnant of Alexandria’s first railroad, the Orange & Alexandria (O&ARR). The bridge opened in 1851 and now carries Jamison Avenue over the run. Continue east until you see a large cemetery complex on your right, where you can enter using one of two ways:
- Enter through the pedestrian gate at Alexandria National Cemetery and head towards the redbrick building to the cemetery vehicle entrance at 1450 Wilkes Street.
- Walk through Christ Church Episcopal Cemetery using an unimproved dirt path and head toward Wilkes Street, where the path ends.
Both entries will bring you inside the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, where tours start at Wilkes and Hamilton Avenue.
By Trolley:
Take the free King Street Trolley to the King St & West St stop.
From this stop:
- Walk 1 block west to Payne St.
- Turn right onto Payne St. and walk 4 blocks south.
This will bring you to the entrance of the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex. Continue to Hamilton Avenue and Wilkes Street.
Ivy Hill
2823 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302 (see map below).
Driving:
Upon entering the cemetery, take a left and choose a parking spot along either of the two roads. After parking, go to the Firemen’s Monument opposite the house.
Public Transportation:
Using the Metro, disembark at the King Street station. The cemetery is a mile north up King Street from the Metro Station and the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.
Book a Cemetery Tour
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex Tours
- 90-minute walking tours Wed-Sat
- Groups of up to 30 persons
- $20 per person, $15 for groups 15+
The Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex tours are led by David Heiby, historian, experienced guide, and Superintendent of the Presbyterian Cemetery. David provides insightful tours of the Wilkes Street cemeteries and historic sites.
Ivy Hill Tours
- 60 min walking tours
- $20 per person
Led by Catherine Weinraub, Ivy Hill Cemetery historian. Catherine brings a passion for preservation and engaging storytelling to her Ivy Hill tours.
What to Expect
- The total walking distance is 1-1.5 miles.
- Comfortable shoes recommended
- The Wilkes Street Complex does not have restrooms on site. We recommend you use the bathroom before your tour and plan accordingly. Nearby restroom locations include Whole Foods, 1700 Duke (0.5 mi away – 12-minute walk), and Balducci’s, 600 Franklin Street (1 mi away – 10-minute drive). Restrooms are available at Ivy Hill.
- Contact us about accessibility.
Weather and Cancellations
- Tours, rain or shine
- Cancellations for extreme weather
- 48 hours notice for cancellations
- Full refunds provided
History Talks
In addition to cemetery tours, we also offer engaging history talks to local groups and organizations. Topics cover Alexandria’s history and more. Contact us if your group would be interested in scheduling a custom talk.
Contact Us
For questions, group bookings, discounts, or cancellations:
- Email: dave@gravestonestories.com
- Text: (703) 869-0872
More Tour Options
Old Presbyterian Meeting House Tour
- Enjoy a complimentary tour of the historic church.
- Learn about its significance in Alexandria’s history.
- Location: 323 S. Fairfax Street
- Free donations welcomed
Antietam Battlefields Tour
- Full-day tour of Antietam and South Mountain battlefields
- Stops at key Civil War sites
- Departs from Alexandria, VA, in the early AM
- $135 per person, 4 person minimum
- Additional costs for transport, food, fees
Lincoln Assassination Tour
- Full-day tour tracing the route of Lincoln’s assassins.
- Stops include Ford’s Theater, Dr. Mudd’s House, and more.
- Departs Alexandria, VA, early AM
- $140 per person, 4 person minimum
- Additional costs for transport, food, fees
Get in touch if you’re interested in any of these unique tours into Alexandria’s history and beyond!
