Journey Through America's Most Historic Cemetery Complex
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Virginia, USA
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
What's Included
- Professional historian-led tour
- 90-minute small-group cemetery tour
- Access to the 13 cemeteries of the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex
- Free Parking Available
- Transportation to meeting point
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks (please bring your own water bottle)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Wilkes Street & Hamilton AvenueWilkes St & Hamilton Ave, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
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
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Uneven ground
- Grass pathways
- Historic walkways
- Historic cemetery paths may have uneven terrain. Contact us about accessibility needs.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 24 reviews
Kevin_T, Jun 2026
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
Response from Host, Jun 2026
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
Caroline_B, May 2026
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!
Response from Host, May 2026
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!
Claire_M, Mar 2026
Amazing! Super knowledgeable and friendly guide. More than worth it! So cool to hear about America’s history from that perspective.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
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.
Cathleen_B, Mar 2026
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!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
“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.
Tracey_N, Dec 2025
Fantastic tour. Our guide knew his history inside and out. Very impressive knowledge and supporting documents to share. All stories were very interesting and very noteworthy subjects. So happy I booked this for us to do. We had such a good time and learned so much!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much — I really appreciate that. I had a wonderful time as well and truly enjoyed sharing these stories with you. I’m glad the research and documents added to the experience. Thanks again for joining me on the tour!
sherri_p, Nov 2025
Our guide was very knowledgeable. He gave a very interesting tour.
We learned a lot about local history
Dana_B, Nov 2025
An amazing trip through Alexandria's history and America's History, even quite a few side journeys to world history! Dave's knowledge of history is surpassed only by his enthusiasm. As we walked through the cemetery, Dave told stories and made connections between different times and different people in history and then why they would be buried in Alexandria. HIGHLY recommend whether you are a seasoned history buff or just dabbling. Great tour! Thanks Dave, we will be back!
Christine_S, Nov 2025
I highly recommend this tour through Alexandria’s graveyard complex. David was extremely knowledgeable and a great tour guide who clearly cares about the history of Alexandria as well as the people, both living and those buried there. The time flew by—I’d do this tour again.
Judith_B, Oct 2025
Fascinating tour through United States history told through the graves. David was extremely knowledgeable and told wonderful stories to bring history to life. A gem and a wonderful spot to enjoy a perfect autumn afternoon.
Christopher_T, Aug 2025
You’ll learn tons, and Dave is energetic and has a sense of humor. History is written in those gravestones.
Walter_D, Aug 2025
David Heiby effectively revives the spirits interred within this cemetery, ensuring that they reside in perfect harmony in death, a stark contrast to the discord they experienced during life.
From $30.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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