Journey Through America's Most Historic Cemetery Complex
Description
This is the only walking tour led by the historian who helps care for the ground itself. David Heiby — public historian, superintendent of the complex's historic Presbyterian Cemetery, and creator of Gravestone Stories — takes small groups inside Alexandria's 13-cemetery, 52-acre landscape, where more than 35,000 people rest: George Washington's pallbearers, Revolutionary War patriots, Civil War soldiers, a Cold War Soviet spy, and the highest-ranking Confederate general buried in Alexandria. Every stop is grounded in original research and cemetery records — research cited by the Library of Virginia and foundational to the complex's National Register nomination — including graves rediscovered after nearly 200 years. You'll walk quiet lanes, pass gates most visitors never enter, and leave with the official companion e-book, free with every ticket. Featured in national and local press and backed by a perfect 5.0 guest rating, with group size limited for comfort 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(29)
David Heiby is a fabulous guide with a wealth of knowledge about how each of the 13 cemeteries in the complex is bound to various moments in American history. He has an in-depth knowledge of how the oldest graves were excavated, the origins of much of the stonework used in creating the headstones, and how each of the cemeteries handles maintenance of the graves, even of those whose families have died out. It was this level of detail that made the tour rise above the ordinary tourist round. I would recommend this tour of the Wilkes Street Cemetary Complex for anyone interested in early American history.
Thank you for such a generous review. Tours like yours are the best part of this work — when a visitor arrives with a real passion for gravestones, the complex becomes a classroom and we both learn something. Coming from someone who has visited cemeteries across the world, your kind words mean a great deal. Safe travels, and you're always welcome back among our 52 acres.
A budding taphophile myself, I thoroughly enjoyed Dave's tour! My husband was only along for the ride, but found himself fascinated by the tour, as well. Dave has a seemingly endless wealth of information on those buried and the historical contexts around their stories -- you get a tour worth every dollar you spend, and then some. His stories were so capturing, I have already ordered books to further my education on cemetery histories.
Thank you, Bethany! It's always a pleasure to have a fellow taphophile on the tour — and even better when we win over the ones who came 'just along for the ride.' Hearing that the stories sent you off to order books on cemetery history is the best outcome I could ask for; these burial grounds reward every bit of curiosity you bring to them. I hope you'll both come back for one of the other tours — there are 35,000 stories in the complex and we've only scratched the surface. — Grave Dave
Great tour! I thought I had seen/done everything there was to do in Old Town, but I was wrong! The hosts were knowledgeable and funny. Also, they were prepared for the 100+ degree weather with water bottles and icy towels for everyone. The tour guide even let my infant son borrow her electric fan! Thank you!!
Thank you for this wonderful review — and for your title! "All roads lead through Alexandria" is exactly the idea I hope every guest carries home. And what a day: 100 degrees, an even higher heat index, and the hottest tour I've ever led — yet your family hung in there, from your baby girl to her grandmother. All credit for the heat relief goes to my wife Christine, who was off for the holiday and chose to spend it caring for our guests — the water, the icy towels, and that well-timed fan were all her doing. Hearing that longtime Old Town visitors discovered something new means the world; it's exactly why we tell these stories. We hope you'll join us again on a milder day — there's always more history to uncover!
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! 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!
