Congressional Cemetery

Cemetery · Congressional Cemetery

Congressional Cemetery

Cemetery · Congressional Cemetery

2

1801 E St SE, Washington, DC 20003

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Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by thedude771 (Atlas Obscura User)
Congressional Cemetery by lorie shaull (Atlas Obscura User)
Congressional Cemetery by Edward Denny (Atlas Obscura User)
Congressional Cemetery by thedude771 (Atlas Obscura User)
Congressional Cemetery by thedude771 (Atlas Obscura User)
Congressional Cemetery by Edward Denny (Atlas Obscura User)
Congressional Cemetery by thedude771 (Atlas Obscura User)
Congressional Cemetery by Edward Denny (Atlas Obscura User)
Congressional Cemetery by lorie shaull (Atlas Obscura User)
Congressional Cemetery by PAtoDC (Atlas Obscura User)
Congressional Cemetery by Edward Denny (Atlas Obscura User)
Congressional Cemetery by Edward Denny (Atlas Obscura User)
Congressional Cemetery by dollymae dagger
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by lorie shaull (Atlas Obscura User)
Congressional Cemetery by Edward Denny (Atlas Obscura User)
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null
Congressional Cemetery by null

Highlights

At Congressional Cemetery, vibrant community events meet serene green spaces, creating a lively haven for history buffs and dog lovers alike.  

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1801 E St SE, Washington, DC 20003 Get directions

congressionalcemetery.org
@congcemetery

Information

Static Map

1801 E St SE, Washington, DC 20003 Get directions

+1 202 543 0539
congressionalcemetery.org
@congcemetery
𝕏
@congcemetery

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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@atlasobscura

"The Congressional Cemetery or Washington Parish Burial Ground is a historic yet active cemetery located at 1801 E Street, SE, in Washington, D.C., on the west bank of the Anacostia River. It is the only American “cemetery of national memory” founded before the Civil War. Over 65,000 individuals are buried or memorialized at the cemetery, including many who helped form the nation and the city of Washington in the early 19th century. Though the cemetery is privately owned, the U.S. government owns 806 burial plots administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Congress, located about a mile and a half (2.4 km) to the northwest, has greatly influenced the history of the cemetery. The cemetery still sells plots, and is an active burial ground. From the Washington Metro, the cemetery lies three blocks east of the Potomac Avenue station and two blocks south of the Stadium-Armory station. Many members of the U.S. Congress who died while Congress was in session are interred at Congressional Cemetery. Other burials include early landowners and speculators, the builders and architects of early Washington, Native American diplomats, Washington mayors, and Civil War veterans. Nineteenth-century Washington, D.C. families unaffiliated with the federal government also have graves and tombs at the cemetery. A Vice-President, a Supreme Court Justice, six Cabinet members, 19 Senators, and 71 Representatives — including a former Speaker of the House — are buried in the cemetery, along with veterans of every American war and J. Edgar Hoover, the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 23, 1969, and designated a National Historic Landmark in 2011." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

Hidden Congress: An Alternative Tour of the U.S. Capitol
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@afar

"The "National Burying Ground" As you enter Congressional Cemetery's wrought iron gates, you'll encounter over 65,000 graves of architects and builders, musicians and explorers, patriots and scoundrels, pioneers and diplomats, and war veterans whose stories played significant roles yet have been long forgotten in the annals of American history and heritage. Since 1807, it has been the final resting place of individuals like US Marine Band director John Philip Sousa ("The March King"), FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, Elbridge Gerry (a signer of the Declaration of Independence), and the first female US Presidential candidate Belva Lockwood. Today, the cemetery is a favorite for dogwalking and other zany activities, with everything from outdoor Monday "Yoga Mortis" sessions and a "Dead Man Run's 5K" to boozy soirees, beer fests, horror movie screenings, and the sounds of marching bands performing "The Stars and Stripes Forever" in front of Sousa's grave during Memorial Day weekend."

D.C. Hidden Gems and Treasures
View Postcard for Congressional Cemetery

Matt Jex

Google
You wouldn't think a cemetery would have great community outreach, but Congressional Cemetery certainly does. There's always a market or lecture or event going on that either focuses on death, the afterlife or DC history in a way that is macabre but not depressing or creepy. A clever trick indeed.

Wendy K

Google
Posted 03/16/24 We arrived a little late to see the bloom of the flowers although you can still appreciate their beauty and take beautiful photos. It is dog friendly, many are off leash and running in the gardens. Easy parking free for 2 hours, there is a bathroom if you need it, very peaceful for a short walk..

Serena Liao

Google
STUNNING Kwanzan cherry blossoms, it was peak on 4/12/2023. - dogs are off leash if you have day pass(purchase online) or membership. - better to sign up for text/email alert when it’s closed. - street parking, easy on weekdays.

Liz Costanzo

Google
Congressional Cemetery is the most alive cemetery! Last night was Cinemetery - a summer movie event! Check out the cemetery for Soul Strolls, the Dead Man’s Run, or just stop by to visit the final resting place of J Edgar Hoover. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Di “Di Soul” Gamble

Google
This is a peaceful area. Congressional has worked with the community for years & years, extending themselves as more than just a rest home for the beloved departed. I have heard (but not attended 😔) that there are many events for the living; spanning from film viewings to book readings. It is a quiet place for walking & a unique meet up for dog walks. There are many benches for relaxing & a few tables as well. There is lots of local history located at this cemetery. The grounds are simple but mostly well kept.

Nancy Dierker

Google
For those of you who enjoy history, this place is really worth your time. This cemetery predates Arlington going back to the earliest days of Washington. It offers a wonderful program that allows dogs off the leash.

Leslie Diaz

Google
Posted 3/25/23- I was about a week late for the peak of the cherry blossoms but there were still a few trees in bloom. Also in another week or two, there’ll be more. The most popular spot to see the cherry blossoms in D.C. is the Tidal Basin along the Potomac River. However, during peak (even during the week), it is extremely busy and difficult to find parking. If you want a low key yet still beautiful place to admire the cherry blossoms, come to the Congressional Cemetery. The main entrance is on E street and there is free two hour parking right by the gate. The cemetery is dog friendly (also able to be off-leash!) which adds life to the place. This is the perfect quiet place to spend a warm D.C. afternoon. Plus, lots to do nearby!

Mary A. Malinconico

Google
I visited the Congressional Cemetery, April 16, 2022. It was a wonderful spring day with the cherry trees in full bloom. The cemetery is a very nice location to take a walk and view the different styles of gravestones. There are cobble walkways and dirt paths. Be careful if you walk off the path, the ground is uneven. Loves to see thee was an active bee colony with many hives. The bee keepers were there performing maintenance.