Alexandria Historic Cemetery Complex: 13 Cemeteries Walking Tour

Public historian David Heiby leads a walking tour through Alexandria’s Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex, bringing forgotten lives and hidden histories to light—one gravestone at a time.

Step into America's most extraordinary cemetery complex, where 35,000 stories of revolution, war, and triumph await discovery just minutes from Old Town Alexandria.

The Grave of the Female Stranger
Shrouded in mystery for over two centuries, this table-top tomb in St. Paul's Cemetery is Alexandria’s most visited grave.

Discover stunning monuments like the Cazenove family obelisks during our expert-guided walks through 13 historic cemeteries - each telling unique stories of Alexandria's past.

Commemorating Revolutionary War Patriots
This bronze plaque honors the memory of Revolutionary War soldiers buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Alexandria, many of whom were of Scottish ancestry.

Robert Allison Jr.—his sacrifice at the Battle of the White House Landing helped set the stage for the Star-Spangled Banner.

The Edmonson Sisters’ 1848 escape on the Pearl helped shape Uncle Tom’s Cabin—their enslaver lies in Alexandria’s cemetery complex.

The Everleigh Sisters—Minna and Aida Simms—ran Chicago’s most notorious brothel, 1900–1911.

Public historian David Heiby in 19th-century attire at St. Paul’s Cemetery, where he shares the story of Abraham C. Myers—Confederate Quartermaster General and namesake of Fort Myers, Florida.

Duration1h 30m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 25 travelers

Overview

Go beyond King Street on a 90-minute small-group walking tour through Alexandria’s Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex—13 historic cemeteries, 52 acres, and more than 35,000 burials. Led by public historian and cemetery superintendent David Heiby, the tour connects Alexandria’s past to the American Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War, Cold War, and more. Meet George Washington’s pallbearers, Revolutionary War patriots, Civil War soldiers, a Soviet spy, and the highest-ranking Confederate general buried in Alexandria. Every stop is grounded in original research, cemetery records, and discoveries made on the grounds, including graves rediscovered after nearly 200 years. David’s research has been cited by the Library of Virginia and contributed to the complex’s National Register nomination. Every guest receives the official Gravestone Stories companion e-book, a $15 value, included with the tour. Small groups and a 5.0 guest rating make this a distinctive way to experience Alexandria.

What's included

Official illustrated companion e-book ($15 value)
90-minute small-group cemetery tour
Professional historian-led tour
Free Parking Available
Access to the 13 cemeteries of the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex

Transportation to meeting point
Gratuities
Food and drinks (please bring your own water bottle)

What to expect

1h 30m · Admission ticket included

Historic cemetery complex established 1796, containing 13 distinct cemeteries with over 35,000 burials spanning Revolutionary War to modern era. America's most concentrated collection of historic burial grounds.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Your guide will wear Gravestone Stories-branded clothing and name tag. Meet at Wilkes Street & Hamilton Avenue intersection near Methodist Protestant Cemetery entrance.

End point

Your guide will wear Gravestone Stories-branded clothing and name tag. Meet at Wilkes Street & Hamilton Avenue intersection near Methodist Protestant Cemetery entrance.

Additional information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Uneven ground
Grass pathways
Historic walkways
Historic cemetery paths may have uneven terrain. Contact us about accessibility needs.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (32)

From

$30.00 per person

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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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