Alexandria National Cemetery

Alexandria National Cemetery listed in National Register of Historic Places: 1995

The Alexandria National Cemetery

Alexandria National Cemetery is 5.5 acres of resting ground in 1450 Wilkes Street in Alexandria VA, being one of the 14 national cemeteries constructed in 1862. Originally known as Spring Garden Farm having about 4 acres of land the United States government bought additional land giving its’ current size. The Alexandria National Cemetery was burial ground for the soldiers who had passed away because of diseases, training, illnesses and results of the Civil War in the Alexandria area that was then exceeded the capacity and brought about the construction of Arlington National Cemetery.

By 1871, improvements had been made at the Alexandria National Cemetery with the addition of a fountain, Cobblestone Avenue and graveled walkways, wrought iron rostrum, pond and greenhouse. The superintendent’s lodge which is the oldest and primary building on the ground, highlights the era when the grounds was developed using reddish Seneca sandstone with River Blue Stone coping. A comfort station that was built in 1887, is the on of the few structures to survive up to date. The comfort station was altered in 1927 with the addition of a dining room, kitchen/store room and tool shed/toilet. It was only in the 1930’s when the Civilian Works Administration had begun repairs on the lodge and outbuildings and had added a flagpole.

Other Notable Persons to be buried at Alexandria National Cemetery:

Buffalo Soldiers (Cavalry Regiments of the US Army):
Private L. J. Cook, Company H, 9 US Cav, Section B Grave 3560
Corporal Lorenzo Foster, Company C, 10 US Cav, Section B Grave 3581
Private George Foster, Company C, 10 US Cav, Section B Grave 3565
Private John T. Stevenson, Company E, 10 USCT Cav, Section B Grave 3592
Musn. Joseph F. Whelen, Company LLG, 24 US Inf, Section B Grave 3606

Resting Ground at Alexandria National Cemetery

On July 7, 1922, the U.S government had erected a large granite boulder in honor of the Pursuers of President Lincoln’s Assassin. They were 4 Quartermaster Corps employees who had drowned in the Potomac River while in pursuit of John Wilkes Booth in April 24, 1865.

Alexandria National Cemetery
1450 Wilkes Street
Alexandria VA 22314
Contact Number: 703 221 2183