I really enjoy learning about history. . .and United States history is even more interesting to me.  If you like learning about United States history you will be happy that I am sharing this article that I found pertaining to Washington, DC’s Congressional Cemetery.  You can access the article here.

First of all, I learned that Congressional Cemetery is not just for Congressmen or Congresswomen.  Matter of fact, I learned that it is not even a government owned cemetery.

The roots for Congressional Cemetery go back to 1807 when Sen Uriah Tracy of Connecticut died.  The family because of necessity – no embalming, no railroad lines between DC and Connecticut – chose a local burial.  The property was later handed over to the Christ Church, an Episcopal Church, to operate.  They set aside grave space for members of Congress and in the 1830’s Congress appropriated some money for its upkeep and it became known as Congressional Cemetery.

Today, however it is operated by the nonprofit Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery.

Here are a few of the facts you will find in the article:

• Approximately 90 Senators and/or members of the House of Representatives are interred in the cemetery
• The 35 acres cemetery routinely hosts 5k runs, concerts, yoga classes, and outdoor movies on its grounds.
• President William Henry Harrison spent more time in the cemetery vault than he did in the Oval Office.  He died in April 1841, 32 days into his presidency and his remains were housed in the vault on the cemetery grounds approximately 90 days before they were transported to North Bend, Ohio for burial there.
• Today, the cemetery derives about 25% of its operating income from its K9 Corps.  The cemetery is 35 acres in size and completely fenced in and is located in densely populated Washington, DC.  That lends itself to a program known as the K9 Corps which has a group of dog members capped at 770.  For $235 per year and $50 per dog, the owners of these dogs have the right to dog walk (and be let off their leash) on and in the cemetery grounds.  The program is so popular in the locale that there is an $80 annual fee just to be on the waiting list.

Take a look at the linked article.  There are some great photos and more interesting information on a little bit of American history.

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