Historic Congressional Cemetery

A typical DC vacation might lead you to the Washington Monument, the Capitol, and the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives. But there’s only one place where you can see the designer of the Washington Monument, the architect of the Capitol, and a signer of the Declaration together. Take a step off the National Mall and into a hidden gem of history, just a short distance from Capitol Hill.

Established in 1807, Historic Congressional Cemetery is a microcosm of the American story. The tree-lined paths and roads of this arboretum lead you to the final resting places of politicians, activists, educators, military figures, and people from all walks of life whose histories remain as relevant as ever.

On a 90-minute guided introductory tour of our National Historic Landmark, you will encounter the graves of notables like “March King” John Philip Sousa; FBI director J. Edgar Hoover; DC’s “Mayor for Life,” Marion Barry; women’s rights pioneer Belva Lockwood; activist Leonard Matlovich; and Elbridge Gerry, the only Declaration of Independence signer and only vice president buried in the nation’s capital. The cemetery also offers special topic tours that focus on subjects like African American history, Jewish American history, and LGBTQ+ history.