Gerrymandering: The Origin Story
Posted by: Neely Tucker
In 1812, Massachusetts Gov. Gov. Elbridge Gerry signed a bill he didn't like, one the reordered some political districts into particularly odd shapes to favor one party. One contorted district looked like a huge salamander -- and the term "Gerrymander" was born. A political cartoon enshrined it into U.S. history.
Posted in: Congress, Geography and Maps Division, Newspapers, Rare Book and Special Collections