In 1807 the first burial ground in the new federal city was founded.  Because of its close proximity to the seat of government members of Congress, military and government officials were interred, along with a number of ordinary citizens. 

The Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery maintains and operates the 35+ acres, 14,000 headstones, and burial place of over 55,000 people whose stories are part of our American History.

While Congressional is becoming an active burial ground again, we honor the memory of those interred here.  You can find an individual with the "Search" box on the right side.  You can hear audio stories and read bios of some of our famous "residents" in the walking tour section, and see our efforts in stone and vault preservation. Take a look around, and enjoy your visit.

 

Congressional Cemetery - for presidents and residents alike 

Welcome to Historic Congressional Cemetery

News

  • National Historic Landmark designation

    On June 30th, Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior, approved the addition of Congressional Cemetery to the Register of National Historic Landmarks.

    National Historic Landmarks are buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that have been determined by the Secretary of the Interior to be nationally significant in American history and culture. Many of the most renowned historic properties in the nation are Landmarks.  Congressional Cemetery shares this designation with the Capitol, White House, Supreme Court, and Washington Monument.

  • Congressional Cemetery marketing campaign continues

    If you live on Capitol Hill you probably read the Hill Rag. Check out a new ad every month.  Congressional Cemetery is again selling cemetery sites.  Ground space and columbarium benches are available and new columbarium walls and ground nitches will be built in 2012.  Call for more information call 202-543-0539 or email sales@congressionalcemetery.org.

  • John Philip Sousa Birthday Party - Photos!

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    The annual Association Awards Ceremony and the Marine Band tribute to John Philip Sousa on his 157th birthday took place Sunday, November 6th at Congressional Cemetery.   Mark your calendar for the 158th celebration. 

Past Events

  • Jan 3 2012 - 2:44pm - Jan 7 2012 - 10:46am

    Special Docent Guided Tour

    Saturday, January 7th 11:00 AM

    Because of the forecast of nice weather, there will be a cemetery tour scheduled this Saturday.  Check this website in the future for other warm weather spontaneous tours.

    Regular docent led tours resume in April.

  • Dec 11 2011 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm

    Join us for Christmas readings, stories, caroling and hot chocolate as some of our "residents"  join Christ Church + Washington Parish Rector Cara Spaccarelli to tell stories of Christmas past.   No reservation required.  Meet in the chapel at 2:00 PM.

  • Nov 5 2011 - 11:55am - 1:00pm

    The Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence will dedicate two benches with the names of 12 of the signers who are buried in places where no plaque or marker is allowed. The ceremony will start at noon, Saturday, November 5th at the Elbridge Gerry monument in the cemetery.