Washington, D.C. Sights

Congressional Cemetery

Congressional Cemetery Review

Established in 1807 "for all denomination of people," this cemetery is the final resting place for such notables as U.S. Capitol architect William Thornton, Marine Corps march composer John Philip Sousa, Civil War photographer Mathew Brady, FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, and many members of Congress. Air Force veteran and gay rights activist Leonard Matlovich is also buried here under a tombstone that reads "When I was in the military, they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one." The cemetery is about a 20-minute walk from the Capitol. On Saturdays from April through October, you can join one of the free docent-led tours at 11 or the Civil War themed tours led by Historian Steve Hammond at 1. You also can take a self-guided tour highlighting everything from the War of 1812 to women of arts and letters; copies of the tours are available at the Cemetery gatehouse. Narrated cell-phone tours are available by dialing 202-747-3474.

    Contact Information

  • Address: 1801 E St. SE, Capitol Hill, Washington, DC, 20003 | Map It
  • Phone: 202/543-0539
  • Hours: Daily dawn--dusk; office weekdays 10--2, Sat. 10--1
  • Website: www.congressionalcemetery.org
  • Metro Stadium Armory or Potomac Ave.
  • Location: Washington, D.C.

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