Comments on New book celebrates Congressional Cemetery's history - Greater Greater Washington

Comment by David C

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 18:32:30 EDT

sarah, actually Congressional cemetery is a dog park. They charge membership fees and it is one of the ways they have helped the cemetery to recover. It's a real success story. And dogs are allowed to run around of leash.

Comment by sarah

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 17:56:28 EDT

I haven't been to the Congressional Cemetery but one of my town's sons, Elbridge Gerry, is buried there; of course I want to see his headstone. I'd love to go there for the quiet, less-crowded, historical experience. If bikes aren't allowed, it should be posted; all rules should be posted. Dog owners should be responsible; we are. Keep your dogs on a leash and bring poop bags. Dogs should not be allowed to run free; Congressional Cemetery is NOT a dog park!

Comment by Will

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 12:23:53 EDT

I made a big mistake and rode my bike (slowly) through the grounds to check it out. I was chased by several unleashed dogs and scolded by dog owners on my way out. I didn't see any signage banning bikes, but oh well. I guess it's offensive to bring a bike to the cemetery but perfectly okay to let your pooch pee on gravestones...

Comment by Read Scott Martin

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 01:05:34 EDT

The dog walkers have reclaimed more parkland on Capitol Hill by going out to use it (Lincoln Park another shining example), I can't think of another single force that matches it.

Comment by A different sort of example

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 12:56:39 EDT

"... a shining example of residents taking guardianship of their built environment."

"A lot of folks who live right around here in Hill East don't recognize what a real treasure this is to the neighborhood," says Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Brian Flahaven. "There's so much history here, but it's one of the few places that's not over-run with tourists."

Maybe not overrun with tourists, but local dog owners are another issue. Noted a few the other morning despite notices posted on the locked gates.

Comment by David C

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:31:37 EDT

DC Doug, that's correct. His body spent time in the public vault, which was pretty common for prominent people at the time. So he was never actually "buried" at Congressional.

Comment by DC Doug

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:21:47 EDT

According to The Lincoln Group's Guide to Lincoln sites in and around Washington, D.C., John Quincy Adams was buried at Congressional Cemetery temporarily after his death. His body was eventually moved to his home state of Massachusetts. According to the White House, he was buried near the graves of his father and mother in Quincy.

Comment by DC Doug

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:00:29 EDT

Here's a sample of what you'll see at Congressional Cemetery.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dc_doug/5674164058/in/set-72157626617448126

A Guide to Civil War Washington by Stephen M. Forman also covers Congressional Cemetery, but I certainly would buy Schmidt and Robert's book.

Comment by MJ

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:37:14 EDT

Thanks for highlighting this neighborhood treasure. I live a couple of blocks away and love starting the weekend with a walk around the cemetery. (Makes you not take the weekend for granted maybe?!)

The best part is how sometimes you'll stumble upon a name you know. I only recently figured out that John Quincy Adams is buried there; however, he is buried among the members of Congress since he was a member of Congress after serving as president. Another favorite is Tom Lantos, the only Holocaust survivor to serve in Congress. Everyone should check this place out!