Journey Through America's Most Historic Cemetery Complex
Description
Explore America’s most historic cemetery complex with the public historian who helps care for it. Led by David Heiby, cemetery superintendent and creator of Gravestone Stories, this small-group walking tour takes you inside Alexandria’s remarkable 13-cemetery landscape, where George Washington’s pallbearers, Revolutionary War patriots, Civil War soldiers, a Cold War Soviet spy, and the highest-ranking Confederate general buried in Alexandria all rest within a single historic district. Mentioned in national and local press, cited by respected history sources, and backed by a perfect 5.0 guest rating, this tour goes far beyond a typical historic walk. Every stop is grounded in original research, cemetery records, and on-site discoveries, including graves rediscovered after nearly 200 years. Walk quiet lanes, pass through gates most visitors never enter, and hear stories you will not find anywhere else. Group size is limited for comfort, safety, and a better experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- 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.
Reviews(26)
Gave us an awesome and unforgettable experience touring all the different cemeteries. Extremely knowledgeable and gave profound and exceptional stories and service. Overall a great experience and would recommend this tour!
Thank you so much for this wonderful review!Thank you so much for this wonderful review! It means a great deal to know the stories landed with you the way I hope they do for every guest, and that the cemeteries themselves came alive a bit during our time together. Thank you for taking the time to share this, and for the recommendation; it genuinely helps a small operation like Gravestone Stories. I hope our paths cross again on a future tour!
Really interesting anecdotes about Revolutionary and Civil War little known stories. Definitely something you won’t get at a big museum. Guide was wonderful, friendly, knowledgeable, passionate about the subject. Picked up on our interests and tailored his tour to them.
Thank you so much for this — it truly made my day. Tailoring the tour to what sparks your curiosity is my favorite part of the work, so I'm glad it came through. Alexandria's Revolutionary and Civil War stories deserve to be told to people who lean in and ask questions, and it sounds like you did exactly that. It was a pleasure walking these grounds with you, and I hope you'll come back — there are always more stories waiting. With gratitude, Dave.
If you’re into history and want to walk historic grounds and learn about historic figures who helped form this nation’s history then this tour is for you. My wife and I highly recommend it. Dave the tour guide is a wealth of information. It’s worth every penny
If you’re into history and want to walk historic grounds and learn about historic figures who helped form this nation’s history then this tour is for you. My wife and I highly recommend it. Dave the guide is a wealth of information
Thank you both so much for the kind words and the recommendation. There is no better year than this one to walk these grounds — as the nation marks its 250th, the patriots resting in Alexandria's historic cemeteries have a great deal to say about how this country was formed. It was a pleasure sharing their stories with you, and I hope you'll come back for one of the other tours down the road. — Dave
Grave Dave, as he is known, was an amazing host and guide for this tour. He has clearly done extensive research on this historic cemetery complex, and he has made interesting connections among the people buried in this area. Immediately after leaving, I thought of a half dozen family members or friends I would love to bring on this tour in the future! At any time, but especially for America's 250th birthday, this is a tour not to skip!
Thank you for this wonderful review — and for embracing the "Grave Dave" nickname! I'm so pleased the connections among the people buried here resonated with you. That's really what drives this work: these weren't just names on stones, but neighbors, rivals, business partners, and friends who shaped Alexandria and American history together. I love that you're already thinking of family and friends to bring — that's the highest compliment a guide can receive. With America's 250th birthday upon us, there's never been a better moment to walk among the founders, patriots, and everyday Alexandrians who made it all possible. I look forward to welcoming your whole crew!
This tour was absolutely incredible and is a must for locals and visitors alike! I was amazed to learn so much about Alexandria's role in American history and have the stories be brought to life by my exceptional guide and historian, David. I now have a greater appreciation for the area I call home.
Thank you so much for this wonderful review. It means a great deal to me, especially coming from someone who calls Alexandria home. One of the reasons I started Gravestone Stories was to help people see these cemeteries not just as quiet places of remembrance, but as outdoor archives filled with the stories of Alexandria and America. I’m so glad the tour helped bring some of those stories to life for you, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to share such kind words.
The tour was great! David can customize the tour based on your interests. He is very knowledgeable and makes history fun! I especially enjoyed learning more about the history of civil rights. This cemetery was the first desegregated cemetery in the entire US!
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! Free parking is available right on site — I've added it to the listing so future visitors will know in advance. I'm thrilled that the civil rights history made such an impression. The December 1864 petition by United States Colored Troops protesting segregated burials at Alexandria National Cemetery is one of the earliest organized civil rights protests by Black soldiers in American history. This story deserves far wider recognition. I hope you'll share what you discovered, and I look forward to welcoming you back!
Amazing! Super knowledgeable and friendly guide. More than worth it! So cool to hear about America’s history from that perspective.
Thank you, Claire. That perspective is exactly what drives this tour—history looks completely different when you are standing among the people who made it. I’m glad the experience resonated with you and that you found it worthwhile. I hope to see you back again in Alexandria’s Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex.
This was an awesome tour...the guide is so knowledgeable and told engaging facts of American history that crosses Alexandria
Thank you for the kind review. You captured the spirit of the tour perfectly—the stories here do not stay contained to Alexandria. Many of the people buried in the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex helped shape a young nation far beyond these streets. I’m glad those connections came through during the tour, and I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
Fantastic stories about key people in American history! The guide is incredibly knowledgeable and full of fun facts....I will go again to hear more stories!
“I will go again”—that genuinely made my day. There are so many more stories where those came from, and I’ll look forward to picking up where we left off on a future visit. The remarkable individuals buried here deserve to be remembered, and guests like you make it worthwhile to keep sharing their stories.
