Experience Over 200 Years of Captivating History in Our Signature Guided Tours
Join our celebrated walking tours showcasing over 200 years of Alexandria history at the historic Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, consistently praised as a one-of-a-kind experience. Over 1.5-2 hours, our signature guided tours will immerse you in captivating, untold stories of those laid to rest here that reveal our city’s past. Discover why Alexandria’s history is intricately woven into the broader American narrative as you uncover stories of key figures, events, and more buried here.
Tour Options:
- Public Tours – Available most Saturdays, embark on an immersive journey through over 200 years of Alexandria’s diverse history. Experience a captivating and educational tour at an affordable price.
- Private Tours – Weekday availability for a more customizable experience tailored to your unique interests. Inquire about private tour options and explore Alexandria’s history on your schedule.
Uncover Remarkable Tales
- Wilmer McLean’s improbable witness to both the first and last battles of the Civil War.
- Meet the fiery 16-year-old patriot Samuel Cooper, who dumped tea into Boston Harbor and battled at “other sanguinary Fields.”
- Relive Alexandria’s valiant yet overlooked 1814 Potomac River naval battle – known as the “Battle of the White House” – which directly set the stage for writing America’s iconic national anthem in the aftermath.
- Hear Samuel Johnston’s fateful Gettysburg scouting that steered Confederate plans—linked, by some, to pivotal defeat.
- Uncover the origins of the enduring title “Mr. President,” first used by Dennis Ramsay to address George Washington at a 1789 farewell party, setting a precedent still honored today.
- Meet globetrotting Alexandria naval officer Sydney Smith Lee, who helped open Japan while his prominent brother emerged as the top Confederate leader in the Civil War.
- Relive the perilous 1848 slave escape attempt aboard The Pearl, which galvanized abolitionists and inspired a book that pushed the nation toward war.
- Pay tribute to Reverend Fields Cook, an influential African American civil rights pioneer.
- Hear the tragic first-hand account of arriving at Little Bighorn’s aftermath from an army surgeon, whose family legacy traces back to the American Revolution, where his great-grandfather, John Paulding, played a pivotal role in capturing John André, the British spy conspiring with Benedict Arnold.
- Relive the journey behind Alexandria’s T.C. Williams High School football team of Remember the Titans fame. Learn Julius Campbell’s pivotal leadership role on this integrated squad that succeeded in becoming state champions amidst racial divides in 1971.
- Step into Alexandria National Cemetery, the pioneering historic resting place where 249 United States Colored Troop soldiers rest in solemn vigil. This hallowed ground harbors whispers of valor — the fight for liberty echoing through every memorial stone. Join us in this sacred embrace of heritage and sacrifice, where Civil War heroes guard America’s enduring promise of equality in their eternal slumber beneath these solemn trees.
. . .and many more astounding true stories that will amaze you!
See What Our Guests Are Saying
Don’t just take our word for it. As featured by Visit Alexandria Now, the Alexandria Visitor’s Center, and touted by fellow area tour guides, guests consistently rank our tours as the best they have ever experienced. Visitors routinely call the tours “fascinating,” “moving,” and “unforgettable”—overflowing with praise about this premier Alexandria history experience.
Dive Deeper into Alexandria’s Histories
Alexandria’s rich history is reflected in the noteworthy burials found across its various cemeteries. Deepen your discovery of these fascinating stories through our Gravestone Stories blog and Notable Burials collection, featuring over 200 mini-biographies of significant figures. Each cemetery holds its own unique tales, such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution and Dr. James Craik – George Washington’s close surgeon friend – in the Old Presbyterian Meeting House 18th-century burial ground on S. Fairfax Street, and General John Mason – who sent Francis Scott Key on the mission that inspired the writing of the Star Spangled Banner – in Christ Church Cemetery. Other notable burials include Robert Adam, a signer of the Fairfax Resolves, and Alva Harvey, a U.S. Army Air Service member during the 1924 First Flight Around the World, both located in the Presbyterian Cemetery, which is part of The Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex.
To aid in your exploration, some of these cemeteries offer maps accessible through a convenient dropdown menu, guiding you to the captivating life stories etched in Alexandria’s history.
Continue Your Journey with Our Blog
Expand your discovery of Alexandria’s history through the Gravestone Stories blog – your resource for even deeper insights into the city’s hidden narratives.
Our blog entries further chronicle additional stories and context beyond the over 200 mini-biographies found in the Notable Burials collection. Delve into rich historical accounts through our blog, which provides more detailed information separate from the abbreviated bios.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, the Gravestone Stories blog allows you to continue uncovering true Alexandria stories that shaped America.
Explore the Historic Background of Alexandria’s Cemeteries
Curious about the rich history behind Alexandria’s cemeteries? Navigate to our Explore and Learn tab to uncover the fascinating background of these historic sites. From their origins to their impact on the city’s development, immerse yourself in the captivating stories that shaped these sacred grounds.
Discover Alexandria’s Cemeteries and Access Helpful Resources
Looking to explore more of Alexandria’s cemeteries on your own? Visit our Find a Cemetery tab for a comprehensive guide to the city’s historic burial sites. For additional information, check out our Resources and Contact tab, where you’ll find our informative brochure about Gravestone Stories and tours in the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex.
Why Choose Gravestone Stories?
- Bring Alexandria’s Hidden Histories to Light. Our fully customized tours uncover captivating stories found nowhere else.
- Make Local History Accessible. We’re invested in community education and awareness of these meaningful stories.
- Support Preservation Efforts. Your participation sustains the cemetery restoration work preserving these sites.
Gallery and Media
Discover the rich history and unforgettable moments captured in our gallery and past events media. From captivating photographs of our tours to videos showcasing the fascinating stories we uncover, immerse yourself in the visual journey of Alexandria’s hidden histories.
Visit our full gallery and media page to explore more of these incredible moments and stories that bring Alexandria’s past to life.
Explore Community Events
Experience Alexandria’s rich history beyond the cemetery tours by participating in our community events. From Cemetery Cleanup Days to Wreath Laying Ceremonies and Flag-in Day at the National Cemetery, there are numerous opportunities to engage with and honor our city’s past. Check out our upcoming events calendar and join us in preserving and celebrating Alexandria’s heritage.
Plan Your Visit
Continue Your Journey
Join us on a remarkable passage through time – book a one-of-a-kind tour revealing Alexandria’s hidden histories today.
Explore The Website
Learn more about available public and private tour options, featured stories covered, scheduling, and more as you plan your visit.
Getting To The Cemetery Complex
Detailed directions, including parking, accessibility routes, and options.
Let’s venture into the past together!
- Driving Directions: For detailed directions, click here! Street parking is available on Wilkes Street and Hamilton Avenue.
- On Foot:
- From Old Town: It’s just a mile’s walk to the complex. Find Wilkes Street and walk west.
- From Carlyle: Head east on Jamison Ave, cross Hooff’s Run, and enter through Alexandria National Cemetery on Jamison or via Christ Church Cemetery.
- By Trolley: Take the free King Street Trolley to King St. & West St., then enjoy a short walk to the complex.
Step Into the Past
At Gravestone Stories, we offer more than just a tour – an immersive portal revealing Alexandria’s hidden histories. Join us on a remarkable passage through time – book a one-of-a-kind tour that uncovers the untold stories of Alexandria’s past today. Let’s venture into the past together!