A Stroll Through Washington's Congressional Cemetery

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This past Wednesday, friends and fellow rangers Rory Moore and Mannie Gentile and I took a day trip to Washington. We set out to do some cemetery tramping, and I suggested the capital's "other" famous graveyard, the Congressional Cemetery. This is a truly remarkable place. I have only been there once before in my life, and this was many years ago. I remember that at that time, the cemetery was not in the greatest of conditions. However, from the moment we pulled up, I noticed that much has changed. The cemetery is working hard at preserving this historic site. The three of us were greatly impressed by the amount of literature and interpretation available at the cemetery's gatehouse. You can pick up a host of walking tour brochures that highlight the gravesites of many American notables. There is a War of 1812 brochure, as well as brochures for the gravesites of American Indians, Civil War notables, Congressmen, and several others. There is even a cell phone tour where you can dial a number and an extension at a number of historic graves and hear biographical descriptions. To say that we were impressed is an understatement. The employee who greeted us was very friendly and helpful. I cannot recommend this cemetery greatly enough to anyone interested in historic graveyards, or to anyone interested in American history in general.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Congressional Cemetery has a park-like atmosphere. . .and is filled with impressive tombs and incredible statuary.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

There are a host of notable Civil War figures buried within the walls of the Congressional, including. . .

Major General Andrew Atkinson Humphreys,

Lincoln Assassination conspirator David Herold, who lies within the family plot,

and Major General Alfred Pleasonton, chief of the Army of the Potomac's Cavalry.

Alfred Pleasonton is buried alongside his father, Stephen Pleasonton, who, as a young clerk during the burning of Washington in August 1814, saved many famous documents from destruction, including the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

And, of course, the Congressional Cemetery is the final resting place of famed photographer Matthew Brady.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Congressional Cemetery dates to 1807, covers more than 30 acres and contains more than 55,000 burials, many dating to the early Nineteenth Century, and many Revolutionary War soldiers.

The engravings on many of the stones is very impressive. . .

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

There are a countless number of important American political figures, such as. . .

Elbridge Gerry, vice-president under Thomas Jefferson and the only signer of the Declaration of Independence to be buried in Washington,

and John Forsyth, Secretary of State under Presidents Jackson and Van Buren.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Other famous internments include. . . .

Robert Mills, the first Federal architect, who designed the Washington Monument, the Treasury Building and Old Post Office, among many other structures,

John Phillip Sousa, and

J. Edgar Hoover.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Congressional Cemetery also features a number of cenotaphs to deceased Representatives and Senators, who were buried here before their bodies could be taken home.

Among the many cenotaphs, one can find a veritable who's who of important Congressmen, including Henry Clay and John Calhoun, Andrew P. Butler, Thaddeus Stevens, and Preston Brooks, among many others.

Ranger Mannie imitating Senator Preston "Bully" Brooks and Brooks's cenotaph.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

For more information on the Congressional Cemetery, visit their website at

www.congressionalcemetery.org