Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Congressional Cemetery Government Lots
Established in 1807, Congressional Cemetery is located in the southeast quadrant of Washington, D.C., overlooking the Anacostia River. The National Cemetery Administration has jurisdiction over 806 burial plots located throughout the larger cemetery, including some of the oldest and most significant historic resources maintained by the agency.
The original 4.5 acres of Congressional Cemetery was purchased by a group of Washingtonians for a private burial ground. On July 19, 1807, Uriah Tracy of Connecticut became the first congressman buried in the cemetery. In 1812 the group deeded the cemetery to Christ Church as The Washington Parish Burial Ground. Five years later, Christ Church set aside 100 burial lots for members of Congress who died in Washington. From this time forward, the nickname Congressional Cemetery has been used, although in 1849 the official name was changed to Washington Cemetery.
By the 1820s, Congressional Cemetery was the traditional burial site of senators, congressmen, and other high-ranking federal officials who died in Washington. In 1823, the church donated an additional 300 gravesites for congressional use, and in 1834 Congress appropriated funds for the erection of a keepers house, planting trees, and placing boundary stones. Since 1849, the piecemeal expansion of additional ground led to its present size of approximately 30 acres.
In 1953, the cenotaphs were among the 806 gravesites (about 350 burials) — collectively occupying about a half-acre — that became federal property through a land swap between the U.S. Army and the cemetery; in turn, these were transferred to VA in 1973 along with most of the country's national cemeteries.
The National Cemetery Administration is the steward of the most significant collective structures in the cemetery; the unique cenotaphs designed by America's first professional architect, Benjamin Henry Latrobe (1764–1820). Fabricated from Aquia Creek sandstone, the monuments are carved in blocks with a squat base and a conical cap. The inscriptions are on small marble panels affixed to the block. Latrobe's design, characterized by clean, straight lines and a lack of ornamentation, was quite distinct from the typical grave markers of the period, and foreshadowed modern architecture by almost a century. For a period of time, the cenotaphs were whitewashed.
The term cenotaph is defined as a tomb or monument erected in honor of a person or group of persons whose remains are elsewhere. The original cenotaphs did not remain true to this term, as they mark the burials of senators and congressmen. The date of the first cenotaph installation in Congressional Cemetery is unknown. Latrobe's earliest sketch dates to 1812, but it is unclear if any cenotaphs were extant at this time.
For many years, congressman and senators who died locally were buried under cenotaphs in Congressional Cemetery. This was largely attributable to the significant cost of transporting the deceased back to their home districts, and to the lack of modern embalming techniques. After 1835, interments of non-local federal officials in the cemetery began to wane, and by the 1855 this practice essentially stopped.
Despite the change in tradition, monuments continued to be erected in the cemetery, honoring congressmen who died in office and were interred in other cemeteries. These cenotaphs are not distinguished from the true burial markers. Reportedly, the installation of cenotaphs ceased in 1876 when Congressman George Frisbie Hoar of Massachusetts caustically remarked that "being buried beneath one would add new terrors to death...I cannot conceive of an uglier shape to be made out of granite or marble than those cenotaphs now there."
Of the 169 cenotaphs at Congressional Cemetery, 113 remain true to the term, honoring those who are interred elsewhere. The identical design was used for 56 monuments erected as grave markers.
In 2007–2008, VA completed a comprehensive project to repair and restore 166 cenotaphs through a partnership in which National Park Service preservation specialists utilized traditional masonry techniques. Material was salvaged from cenotaph components and new Aquia Creek stone came from a stockpile leftover from a 1950s renovation of the U.S. Capitol, and other types of stone compatible in color and texture was introduced. In all, 42 capstones, 27 die blocks, and 28 bases were replaced. The project was awarded the 2009 District of Columbia Mayor's Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation.
Congressional Cemetery, including the lots administered by the National Cemetery Administration, was listed on the National Register for Historic Places in 1969, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2011.
Monuments and Memorials The U.S. Arsenal Monument honors the women who died in an explosion at the Washington Arsenal on June 17, 1864. The tragedy resulted from the accidental ignition of fireworks stored in a lot next to the Arsenal Building at 4-1/2 Half St., SW. Lit by the summer heat, sparks from the fireworks blew into the arsenal as 108 women were making gunpowder cartridges, causing an explosion which killed 21. The memorial was erected on the first anniversary of the fire. The marble and granite structure was produced by sculptor Lot Flannery of the Flannery Brothers Marble Manufacturers, and rises to about 25 feet tall. A small, allegorical female figure symbolizing Grief sits atop a shaft, which is inscribed with the names of the women who perished.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Congressional Cemetery Government Lots, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Choctaw Chief Pushmataha came from the area that is now Mississippi.
A prestigious warrior and diplomat in the early 1800s, he took pride that the Choctaw never "drew bows against the United States." He became a key treaty negotiator for his people. Pushmataha and the Choctaw sided with the Americans during Tecumseh's War. They served under Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812 when he was dubbed "The Indian General." During a trip to Washington, DC, Pushmataha died of croup (also documented as diphtheria and pneumonia) on December 24, 1824 .
Section 1115, Row 31, Site 41
Elbridge Gerry, vice president under President James Madison, is also interred in a National Cemetery Administration government lot, in Section 1115, Lots 9-10-11.
Gerry was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and was the Governor of Massachusetts before coming to Washington. As governor, he sponsored a redistricting bill in Massachusetts, from which the word gerrymander is derived.
South Carolinian Hugh George Campbell (1760–1820) led a distinguished naval career from the Revolutionary War through the War of 1812.
He volunteered on board the first man of war commissioned by South Carolina in 1775, and served in the Caribbean (1799–1800), Mediterranean (1804–1805), and Georgia coast (1812). Later he was captain of the warships USS Constellation and USS Constitution. During his tenure with the Revenue Cutter Service, Campbell commanded the Eagle and captured more French privateer vessels than any other captain. Campbell died in Washington, DC, on November 11 and two days later was interred in the "national burying ground" with full military honors .
Section 1115, Row 29, Site 26
There are approximately 15 senators and 43 congressmen buried in Congressional Cemetery.
In addition, there are many other notables in U.S. history interred here, including William Thorton, one of the architects of the U.S. Capitol, Robert Mills, architect of the Washington Monument, and William Wirt and William Pickney, attorneys general of the United States.
Eligibility for burial at Congressional Cemetery Government Lots
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Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Directions
From the Baltimore National Cemetery, take I-95 South to I-495 South (Richmond) to I-295 Baltimore Washington Parkway to Capitol Road (RFK Stadium Exit) to 17th Street and turn left. Travel approximately one mile, turn left and cemetery will be on the right.
Floral and grounds policy
This floral policy applies only to the government lots in the cemetery which are marked with a small blue PVC cap adjacent to the headstone, marker or monument.
The placement of floral items on government lots is subject to the following conditions:
Weapons policy
VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.
Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.
Education and visiting programs
More than half of VA's national cemeteries originated with the Civil War and many are closed to some burials. Other sites were established to serve World War veterans and they continue to expand. Historic themes related with NCA's cemeteries and soldiers' lots vary, but visitors should understand "Why is it here?" NCA began by installing interpretive signs, or waysides, at more than 100 properties to observe the Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011–2015). Please follow the links below to see the interpretive signs for Congressional Cemetery Government Lots.
A National Cemetery System Congressional Cemetery Government Lots Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Congressional Cemetery Government Lots (by straight-line distance):
- Alexandria National Cemetery — Alexandria, VA (7 mi · closed)
- Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery — Cheltenham, MD (13 mi · open)
- Crownsville Veterans Cemetery — Crownsville, MD (24 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Congressional Cemetery Government Lots have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Bianchi Funeral Service is a premier funeral home located at 814 Upshur St. NW in Washington, DC. The property features well-appointed spaces including reception space available, handicap accessible, and reception hall. Professional offerings include national & international shipping, cremation, and traditional funeral, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,235. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,845, while direct cremation is available from $2,235. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Protestant, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam, Orthodox Judaism, and Other Christian denominations.
DeVol Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2222 Wisconsin Ave. NW in Washington, DC. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $3,200. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.9-star Google rating across 50 reviews.
McGuire Funeral Service is a premier funeral home located at 7400 Georgia Ave. NW in Washington, DC. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home, selection room, and viewing rooms. Professional offerings include funeral arrangements, cremation, and interment, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $4,540. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,550, while direct cremation is available from $4,870. The standard basic services fee for the funeral director and staff is $3,080. Additional typical expenses include embalming ($990) and use of facilities for viewing ($540). The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Various Christian denominations.
Pope Funeral Homes is a premier funeral home located at 5538 Marlboro Pike in Forestville, MD. The property features well-appointed spaces including forestville chapel, pope place event center, and reflections room. Professional offerings include memorial services, cremations, and traditional funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $3,000, while direct cremation is available from $2,810. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Episcopal, Catholic, Baptist, and Methodist.
Gasch's Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 4739 Baltimore Ave. in Hyattsville, MD. The property features well-appointed spaces including viewing room and reception hall. Professional offerings include immediate need, traditional services, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,300. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,800, while direct cremation is available from $2,300. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Lutheran.
J.B. Jenkins Funeral Home, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 7474 Landover Road in Hyattsville, MD. The property features well-appointed spaces including j.b. jenkins worship center at kettering. Professional offerings include professional services, removals, and preparation of human remains, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,200. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $2,200.
Cunningham Turch Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 811 Cameron St. in Alexandria, VA. The property features well-appointed spaces including video immersion chapel, heroes rotunda, and spacious reception rooms. Professional offerings include service pricing, preplanning, and veterans funeral services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,070. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,880, while direct cremation is available from $3,070. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.
Everly-Wheatly Funerals and Cremation is a premier funeral home located at 1500 West Braddock Rd. in Alexandria, VA. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, large chapel (over 200 people), and reception lobby. Professional offerings include cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $4,100. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $9,300, while direct cremation is available from $4,100.