Founded in 1807 at the outskirts of the new federal city, the five acre Washington Parish Burial Ground quickly became the preferred graveyard for the Capitol Hill families constructing the Capitol Building and Navy Yard.  As the federal government settled in to the new city, prestigious funeral processions carrying high officials to their final resting place became a common sight, so much so that Congress began funding the infrastructure so the small graveyard could handle the traffic.  Soon enough Congress began calling the local graveyard The Congressional Burying Ground. The name stuck.

Today, the Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery maintains and operates the cemetery, managing all aspects of sales and interments, preservation and restoration, educational programs, guided tours, and landscape management. As a non-profit organization, Congressional relies on hundreds of volunteers and generous donors to preserve and interpret this national historic landmark.  

With over 22,000 obituaries on file for individuals from all walks of life buried within our wrought iron gates, Congressional Cemetery can tell the story of America from the Revolution right through to today.  We invite you to explore our archives through the search engine at the right or come by for a free guided tour most Saturdays at 11:00 April through November.  Congressional Cemetery: a celebration of life.