The Inauguration of Washington. As First President of the United States, April 30th 1789, At the Old City Hall, New York. The oath of office was administered by Chancellor Livingston of the State of New York. Mr. Otis the Secretary of the Senate holding up the Bible on a crimson cushion. By Currier [...] The post Of The People: The American Presidency at Congressional Cemetery appeared first on Historic Congressional Cemetery ..read more

This is part 2 of a two part series about life and death in DC before the advent of scientific body donation. To see part 1 of this harrowing tale of late-night grave-robbing and underhanded medical practices, please see part one here. Body snatching did not end in Washington D.C. when Dr. George Christian [...] The post Resurrection Men: Body Snatching and Grave Robbing in the Federal City, Part 2 appeared first on Historic Congressional Cemetery ..read more

The historic ground of Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC, is filled with military personalities from American Revolution to the present. Before our American Military History Tour, we thought we’d share some of the figures you will meet. Thomas Tingey Thomas Tingey’s place in Congressional Cemetery is notable for a few reasons. He helped establish the [...] The post Notable Military Figures Buried at Congressional Cemetery appeared first on Historic Congressional Cemetery ..read more

There are few more storied structures in Washington, DC, or Arlington County, VA, cemeteries than the public vault in Congressional Cemetery. The classical structure has existed since 1832. It is in the National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmark. The vault was built in two years with Aquia Creek sandstone, the same material [...] The post 3 US Presidents that were interred in the Public Vault appeared first on Historic Congressional Cemetery ..read more

During a guided tour or our annual Soul Strolls, you may have noticed many of the headstones face the east. This is not uncommon for cemeteries. Many graves in cemeteries from Arlington County, VA, to Washington, DC, have grave markers facing this direction. Why? From the religious to the practical, there are different contributing [...] The post Why Do So Many Headstones Face East appeared first on Historic Congressional Cemetery ..read more

When end-of-life planning, you might have a certain image of what you want your final resting place to look like. However, when selecting a headstone for cemeteries in Washington, DC, Alexandria, VA, and environs, consider what you want relative to factors like regulations, cost, and durability. Below, we lay out these key considerations and [...] The post Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Headstone appeared first on Historic Congressional Cemetery ..read more

Anyone who has visited a cemetery in Washington, DC, knows that headstones are an enduring and important part of the landscape. From humble beginnings to their modern iteration, headstones have evolved over time, each step forward driven by technological advancements as well as cultural norms. But why do we use headstones? Keep reading to find [...] The post 6 Reasons Why We Use Headstones appeared first on Historic Congressional Cemetery ..read more

No one looks forward to losing their pet. Unfortunately, having one means signing up for the possibility of such eventuality someday. Our Washington, DC cemetery provides a befitting place to honor your beloved among the most distinguished when this happens. The pet section, or Kingdom of Animals as we call it, is a relatively [...] The post Where to Bury Your Pet in Washington, DC appeared first on Historic Congressional Cemetery ..read more

If you are in Alexandria, VA setting out to explore cemeteries nearby for clues about your family history, you’ve already met part of the criteria by being curious. Now, keep reading for some tips on being as productive and efficient as possible in your search. 1. Finding the cemetery Pinpoint the cemetery Identifying an old [...] The post Tips for Researching Your Ancestry at Cemeteries appeared first on Historic Congressional Cemetery ..read more

In the middle of July, 1863, a small group of men busily moved across the sweeping terrain of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. One of the men gazed towards a small hill known as Little Round Top, likely battling the sweltering heat as he focused and consulted his notes. Just a few weeks before, Little Round Top was [...] The post Mathew Brady: The Father of Photojournalism appeared first on Historic Congressional Cemetery ..read more