The focus of this tour is the U.S. Navy and the Washington Navy Yard, but other notables are included at each stop. There are a remarkable number of persons associated with the U.S. Exploring Expedition (1838-1842) and R.Adm. Charles Wilkes, who commanded the expedition. His autobiography contains his opinion of these individuals (slanted as they may be) and they are included where appropriate.

There are 8 commandants of the Navy Yard interred here, you will visit 7 of them. Three others were removed to Arlington (Thomas Holdup Stevens), Oak Hill (Beverly Kennon, his monument remains at Congressional Cemetery) and Baltimore (Alexander Semmes).