Cemeteries aren’t just a mournful— or spooky— place. They can be architecturally stunning, historically valuable, and just a peaceful place to go on a stroll. Though most people wouldn’t fancy themselves visitors to such places, in NOVA it’s a must. Here we have some immensely important cemeteries— and they happen to be beautiful too.
Arlington National Cemetery
"Arlington National Cemetery Graves (Burial Criteria)" by Tony Fischer Photography is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Walking around Arlington National Cemetery will bring feelings of profound somberness. At certain vantage points, all the eye can see is grave upon grave. It’s a 639 acre cemetery, so it’s vast and closer to the center, it feels all encompassing. And sometimes, it’s even beautiful. I highly recommend coming during sunset. The trees are cast in a warming yellow hue, and the graves don’t look so monotonous, with shades of yellow, white, blue, and grey coating them.
Maybe you aren’t the type to appreciate sadness in its own special way. If you happen to appreciate that sobering emotion, Arlington National Cemetery will make you feel almost bittersweet. Sad for those who are gone, but proud of their immense bravery. It’s a quiet place and perfect for some existential contemplation.
Side Note: If you’re a history lover, this cemetery is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and JFK’s gravesite, Home of the Eternal Flame.
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex
“1933 depiction of the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex. Published in Alexandria Archaeology Publications Number 88 (p.26). Scale unspecified.” Courtesy of Gravestone Stories
Complex is added to the end of this cemetery’s name because it actually isn’t one large cemetery but rather a cluster of 19th-century cemeteries. What makes Wilkes pretty cool and quite unique is the fact that a vast array of different people from all walks of life are buried here. There’s a section for Methodists, Presbyterians, Catholics, and Hebrews– really anybody practicing anything. Due to the time period this cemetery emerged, African Americans are also buried in a separate section, some sections noted by religion, like Baptist, others for more grim reasons.
Wilkes is really great for the historical education of the area. The Bethel Cemetery is great for learning more about figures that impacted Alexandria, Virginia, and America writ large. The graves of Reverend Fields Cook, civil rights advocate, and Julius Campbell Jr., POC biographical movie maker, are great for learning about black history. Or check out the graves of firefighters Chief George W. Petty and George Washington Whalen are perfect for niche trivia lovers.
If you appreciate mysticism, Wilkes has The Grave of the Female Stranger. It’s a local oddity; a grave whose occupier remains anonymous to this day, but whose death has sparked a lot of speculation and ghostly rumors.
Alexandria National Cemetery
"Alexandria National Cemetery" by deckerme is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Alexandria National Cemetery is actually part of the Wilkes Complex center. It’s one of the very first national cemeteries in the United States, dating back to 1862 in the midst of the Civil War. Established by Lincoln, A.N.C was created to commemorate Union soldiers who had and were perishing at the time. Colored troops were buried there, making it even more historically important.
If you’re into architecture, there’s the superintendent's lodge. It was delicately crafted back around 1880, and its style is an ornate Victorian design called Second Empire. The wrought-iron gates are also quite eye-catching.
Ivy Hill Cemetery
"Crypt at Ivy Hill Cemetery, Alexandria, Virginia" by Greenmars is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
One of the coolest, most striking visuals at Ivy Hill Cemetery is the crypt hidden away on Old Vault Rd. The door is charcoal black, the round top of the frame, Romanesque. There’s an iron pattern on the door that makes it feel very medieval European. The vault sits against a bold, rustic red stone wall. Sometimes the cemetery hosts events in it, like ghost story telling, but the view of it alone is enough for a visit.
Ivy Hill is great for its serenity. The cemetery doubles as an open public space with its rolling hills and wooded areas. There’s even a calming stream that trickles throughout the site. Ivy Hill is particularly breathtaking in spring when the flowers are in bloom, and red and pink bushes dance among the graves. Some of those graves are pretty amazing, too. E.g. Try to spot the one that’s in the shape and texture of a tree trunk.
Contrabands & Freedmen Cemetery Memorial
Another great memorial for learning some Virginia history is right here at Contrabands & Freedmen Cemetery Memorial. Over 1,700 African Americans are honored here. These Americans died attempting to self-emancipate themselves during the Civil War times. Sadly, after the site was built in 1864, it was completely forgotten about until twelve years ago. Since then, restoration efforts have been in full swing.
Historical markers and sculptures are now scattered throughout the cemetery. The statues and artwork that cover the grounds are beautiful and intricate. They also happen to be perfect for reflective moments and important symbolization of American identity. In fact, every piece of this memorial has significant meaning.
The memorial fence echoes the original design of white picket fences that surrounded Alexandria National Cemetery way back when. The main pathway was studied by archeologists, who determined that the path once was likely used to carry the dead along carts. These archeologists also discovered indigenous stone artifacts that may be up to 13,000 years old— go to the bluff overlooking Hunting Creek to check it out.
These memorial grounds are bittersweet as they reflect on the somber past of the U.S and proudly commemorate those who lived through it. It’s worth mentioning that there is something a bit off-putting here: the sidewalk pavers. These mark the bodies that were buried under the sidewalk. In the most dry, dark-humored way, I’ll say: There’s no way to work around walking on someone’s grave here. If you visit the Freedmen cemetery, walk along the cement paths with respect and delicacy.
Columbia Gardens Cemetery
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Colombia Garden is a family-owned, denominational cemetery. Since the Alexandria Park Association's founding of the site in 1917, it has been managed by (now fourth generation of) the Thomas family and has hosted multi-cultural and faith services for over 100 years.
The graves here are a sight to see. Many unique stone heads are here, some with awe-inducing etchings, others with pictures, and some even with meticulously crafted sculptures and Greek columns.
As the name suggests, the other aspect of this cemetery that’s worth a visit is the gardens. If you’re looking for some quiet respite in a park-like place where you can still avoid joggers and rambunctious youth, this is the spot. The winding paths weave throughout the grave markings, where you can walk under tall, draping trees. The garden is an absolute work of art, too.
Fun fact: Columbia Gardens is nationally recognized as a Level II Arboretum. That means they are verified to have over 100 species of trees and woody plants.
National Memorial Cemetery of the Marine Corps
If you’re a veteran, active in service, or a major patriot, then this one’s for you. This burial ground used to be a Marine Corps training base. It’s been used by the military for over 200 years. It was used for the Navy in 1775 when it opened, and then it became an essential blockade point for the Confederates during the Civil War. In 1977, the Marine Corps donated 725 acres to create a Quantico facility, and thus the creation of this very cemetery. The lan been a part of major military history for essentially the entire age of the U.S— and when you’re there, you definitely feel that.
There’s a lot of military history here, so if you’re looking to learn more about the Marines, check it out. The monuments inspire a sense of respect for what the U.S has stood for and accomplished throughout history.
This is just a meager handful of NoVa’s cemeteries worth visiting. There are plenty of other must-see sites, but this is a good jumping-off point. And as you can see, cemeteries aren’t just for mourning. They can be a place for thoughtful reflection, historical importance and simply a tranquil public space.
Posted by Lauren Weiner
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