Top of page

Which Signatory of the Declaration of Independence is Buried in Washington, DC?

Share this post:

There were 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, but only one signer is buried in the Congressional Cemetery. In fact, he’s the only signer buried in the District of Columbia. In honor of Independence Day, we’re highlighting the final resting place of Elbridge Gerry.

Informational tablet on the life of Elbridge Gerry and some of his accomplishments
Informational tablet at the gravesite of Elbridge Gerry in Congressional Cemetery. Photograph by Robert Brammer.

Gerry was born in Massachusetts in 1744. He attended Harvard and was elected to the Massachusetts legislature in 1772. In 1776, Gerry was elected to the second Continental Congress, where he signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. However, Gerry, along with two other delegates, George Mason and Edmund Randolph, refused to sign the Constitution because it did not yet contain a Bill of Rights.

Plaque reading "In Honor Of Elbridge Gerry The only signer of the Declaration of Independence interred in the District of Columbia 1988 erected by the District of Columbia Society Sons of the American Revolution" with Sons of the American Revolution grave marker
Plaque placed by the Sons of the American Revolution with grave marker in front of Gerry’s cenotaph. Photograph by Robert Brammer.

In 1813, Gerry became President James Madison’s vice president, remaining in that role until he died in office in 1814 at the age of 70. Madison is the only president to have two vice presidents die while in office, the first being George Clinton in 1812. Today, Gerry is often remembered as the creator of the Gerrymander.

Photograph of Elbridge Gerry's cenotaph.
Gerry’s cenotaph. Photograph by Robert Brammer.

There are 169 cenotaphs in the Congressional Cemetery. While each commemorates the death of a member of Congress, many of these members are interred elsewhere. The dedication of cenotaphs was discontinued in 1876 after Rep. Hoar stated, “the thought of being buried beneath one of those atrocities brought new terror to death.”

 

 

Add a Comment

This blog is governed by the general rules of respectful civil discourse. You are fully responsible for everything that you post. The content of all comments is released into the public domain unless clearly stated otherwise. The Library of Congress does not control the content posted. Nevertheless, the Library of Congress may monitor any user-generated content as it chooses and reserves the right to remove content for any reason whatever, without consent. Gratuitous links to sites are viewed as spam and may result in removed comments. We further reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to remove a user's privilege to post content on the Library site. Read our Comment and Posting Policy.


Required fields are indicated with an * asterisk.