The Historical Society recognizes the invaluable role cemeteries play in genealogical research and preservation of our region's history. Explore access information, preservation resources, and a curated selection of Washington County cemeteries. Our resources include detailed listings of gravesites, transcriptions of worn headstones, and mapped locations to assist in navigating even the most overgrown or forgotten burial grounds. Cemeteries provide birth and death dates that fill gaps in family trees, plus clues to ancestral origins, occupations, military service, and more. Whether beginning your genealogical journey or continuing years of dedicated research, cemeteries offer a profound connection to our community's past.
Virginia law requires that landowners allow access to cemeteries on private property for visitation by family members, descendants, or plot owners, and for genealogical research. Reasonable notice is required, and visitors must honor any restrictions set by the landowner regarding frequency, hours, and duration of access.
Important: This does not grant an automatic right to drive across private land unless an existing road or right-of-way permits access. Always contact the property owner in advance and respect their property.
The Association for Gravestone Studies promotes the study of gravestones from historical and artistic perspectives, expands public awareness of the significance of historic grave markers, and encourages the recording and preservation of gravestones. It's an excellent starting point for learning proper conservation practices and documentation techniques.
Resources include: Publications on gravestone symbolism, preservation workshops, regional conferences, and a network of dedicated researchers and conservationists.
$55 + tax
Available for in-house purchase at the library
Our professional kit, assembled by cemetery specialist Charlie Barnette, includes:
How to Order:
📞 Call: 276-623-8337
📧 Email: office@hswcv.org
For shipping inquiries or consultation with Charlie about proper use, email brisbotls@hotmail.com
Among the hundreds of cemeteries in Washington County, we've curated a selection of sites of special interest to researchers and visitors. Each location reveals evolving memorial practices and offers insights into the daily lives of those who came before us. Genealogists will find primary-source details in gravestone inscriptions and iconography, while history enthusiasts can explore how remembrance has changed over time. Browse the map above to see all locations at a glance, then explore the detailed listings below with photos and comprehensive information about each cemetery.
25 selected cemeteries mapped
Maintained and unfenced; 200 feet walk uphill from the road. GPS: 36.598701, -82.289745
Behind Bethel Presbyterian Church; large, maintained, unfenced. GPS: 36.676592, -81.877051
Steep paved driveway; fenced cemetery on hill; maintained. GPS: 36.828558, -81.853537
Park at chain on Drake Road; ~200 yd uphill walk to entrance. Small fenced, maintained. GPS: 36.607533, -81.933772
Piedmont Ave ends in a dirt road circling the cemetery. GPS: 36.614052, -82.188376
Driveway opposite small white house; fenced and maintained. GPS: 36.609955, -82.289951
Beside church; resting place of Brig. Gen. W. E. "Grumble" Jones; maintained. GPS: 36.767346, -81.7873239
Small fenced plot in pasture; ~0.5 mile walk from Lebanon Methodist Church. Maintained. GPS: 36.728411, -81.672580
Small fenced plot high on a hill; short dirt access; maintained. GPS: 36.822252, -82.105191
Hilltop near Northridge & Hillandale; fenced, not maintained. GPS: 36.768488, -81.925350
Historic cemetery behind United Methodist Church; maintained. GPS: 36.710381, -82.302269
Large, unfenced, maintained; many founders of Damascus. GPS: 36.638207, -81.785148
Wooded, unmaintained; access by lane near gas well (don't block gate). GPS: 36.647806, -82.314399
Historically a "colored" cemetery off Astor Road (wooded). GPS: 36.676341, -82.072064
Large church cemetery; front open to road; maintained. GPS: 36.709213, -81.784848
Fenced; reportedly a slave cemetery outside main fence. GPS: 36.649746, -81.825078
Small family cemetery off an unpaved two-rut lane; fenced; lightly maintained. GPS: 36.834437, -81.846198
Established by Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church (1770s); maintained. GPS: 36.709104, -81.983317
Small fenced plot on a knoll near golf course; maintained. GPS: 36.664218, -82.120606
Reach via swinging bridge and short field walk; fenced & maintained. GPS: 36.842604, -81.868005