A Rabbit's Review 1-16-2013

By LisaMary Wichowski

“Here repose the statesmen, the orator, and the warrior; the illustrious and the obscure, ‘and all that beauty, all that worth e’er gave’ alike crumble into dust and mingle with the common elements from which they sprang.”   George Watterson, first Librarian of Congress, on Congressional Cemetery

In The Shadow Of The United States Capitol: Congressional Cemetery And The Memory Of The Nation

Abby A. Johnson and Ronald M. Johnson

New Academia Publishing, 2012

432 Pages, 38 photos

ISBN 978-0-9860216-0-2 paperback

ISBN 978-0-9860216-2-6 hardcover

For most, the words “national cemetery” would bring to mind Arlington’s rolling peacefulness, the Tomb of the Unknowns and the eternal flame on JFK’s grave.  Lying in the shadow of our most revered military cemetery, however, is an older, more inclusive burial ground whose history is part of the capitol and our nation’s own in a way that Arlington’s mission cannot accommodate.  Abby and Ronald Johnson’s recent monograph In The Shadow Of The United States Capitol works to bring Congressional back to its rightful place in America’s most important sacred sites. 

            Originally called Washington Parish Burial Ground and initially privately financed, the cemetery soon became owned and managed by Christ Church Episcopal parish as the burial ground grew in size and importance with the Washington community.  The expansion mirrored the growth of the new city of D.C. but was considerably aided by burial sites set aside for the use of the federal government.  The book details the three stages of Congressional’s past: the founding in 1807 to the end of the Civil War, truly its heyday, the period of stagnation and decline lasting from 1876 and continuing for a century, and finally the remarkable community-led renaissance guided by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery (APHCC).  All three periods shed light on the creation of national memory, but the history of the most recent period will be instructive to those who serve on the boards and restoration committees of local friend’s of cemeteries groups.

            The book emphasizes the struggles of a small parish to maintain a large cemetery, as well as the politics of the politics of participation by the U.S. Congress.  The federal government currently owns 806 burial plots and cenotaphs, and for many years questions about which entity was responsible for upkeep were regularly debated.  Throughout the middle of the 19^th century congress appropriated funds for a gatehouse, fencing, roads, cenotaphs and a “public vault” used as the temporary resting place for many, including John Quincy Adams and Dolley Madison. After the Civil War, Christ Church would make frequent overtures for funding to Congress and an occasional representative would champion its cause, but lack of clarity about funding, roles and responsibilities of the parties made cooperation and potential handovers impossible. Since the 1970s the public’s growing interest in historic preservation, the growth of programs such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and professional management of the cemetery has turned Congressional and the APHCC into what are shining examples of cemetery preservation done well.

            Though the Johnson’s book is too often overwhelmed by the details of meetings, correspondence and personalities,  it still is valuable beyond its narrow focus.  Of particular importance are the descriptions of 19^th century processions of the grounds, and the ceremonies that took place to mark internments and holidays.  The order and lavishness of the processions helps us to understand how conscious participants were of creating historical memory and how subsequent memorials respected that.  Zachary Taylor’s order of procession was particularly instructive about how the politics of Washington worked.  His twenty pallbearers represented slave and free states, Congress, the military, and D.C. community leaders.  Among those accompanying the body were Henry Clay and Daniel Webster the men he defeated for the Whig party nomination as well as Lewis Cass, his opponent in the general election of 1848.  Political funerals have long been media events, staged purposefully.  This book helps to remind us that the Victorians did not invent funereal ostentation and messaging.

            For those who would like to visit Congressional and its 55,000 residents ranging from Native American chiefs to J. Edgar Hoover, tours are offered every Saturday from April to November, and when posted in the off months.  While you’re there, be sure to take note of the dog walkers.  I am truly impressed by how the APHCC was able to turn the “problem” of daily pooch exercisers in to one of their greatest assets.   Congressional requires “membership” for the privilege of daily canine constitutionals, but those memberships now provide operating income, a ready supply of volunteers and with almost round the clock visits from human and dog members a very impressive security system.