events

Alexandria Historic Cemetery Complex: 13 Cemeteries Walking Tour

  • Recurring weekly on Friday, Saturday September 25 - December 12, 2026 1 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Gravestone Stories
    Hamilton Avenue & Wilkes Street

Go beyond King Street on a 90-minute guided walk through Alexandria’s remarkable Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex—13 historic cemeteries, 52 acres, and more than 35,000 burials in one walkable landscape.

Led by independent historian and cemetery superintendent David Heiby, creator of Gravestone Stories, 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 others whose stories illuminate more than two centuries of Alexandria history.

Every stop is grounded in original research, cemetery records, and discoveries made within the complex, including graves rediscovered after nearly 200 years.

Tours are limited to small groups. The 90-minute walk covers approximately 1 to 1.5 miles over historic cemetery paths and uneven terrain. Free parking is available.

Tours are offered Fridays and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m., with an additional Thursday tour at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person and include the official Gravestone Stories companion e-book. See the Gravestone Stories website for current availability and booking.