Historical Figure
Elbridge Gerry
1744–1814
Founding Father, U.S. vice president from 1813 to 1814
Talk to Elbridge Gerry
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Biography
Elbridge Thomas Gerry was an American Founding Father, merchant, politician, and diplomat who, as a member of the Second Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation. From 1813 until his death in 1814, he served as the fifth vice president of the United States under President James Madison. The political practice of gerrymandering is named after him.
Timeline
The story of Elbridge Gerry, told in moments.
Signed the Declaration of Independence as a Massachusetts delegate. Also signed the Articles of Confederation. One of the few Founders to sign both documents.
Attended the Constitutional Convention but refused to sign the Constitution. He objected to its lack of a Bill of Rights and what he saw as insufficient protections for individual liberty.
As Governor of Massachusetts, signed a redistricting bill that created a salamander-shaped voting district designed to favor his party. A newspaper cartoonist called it a "Gerry-mander." The word stuck.
In Their Own Words (3)
What, sir, is the use of a militia? It is to prevent the establishment of a standing army, the bane of liberty. Now, it must be evident, that, under this provision, together with their other powers, Congress could take such measures with respect to a militia, as to make a standing army necessary. Whenever Governments mean to invade the rights and liberties of the people, they always attempt to destroy the militia, in order to raise an army upon their ruins.
House of Representatives, Amendments to the Constitution, 17, 20 Aug. 1789, 1789
The evils we experience flow from the excess of democracy. The people do not want virtue, but are the dupes of pretended patriots.
Constitutional Convention Monday May 31 [FN1], 1787, 1787
A standing army is like a standing member. It's an excellent assurance of domestic tranquility, but a dangerous temptation to foreign adventure.
Constitutional Convention (1787), 1787
Artifacts (15)
Elbridge G. Spaulding
Mathew Brady Studio, active 1844 - 1894
Elbridge G. Spaulding
Mathew Brady Studio, active 1844 - 1894
Elbridge G. Spaulding
Mathew Brady Studio, active 1844 - 1894
Essays on the Constitution of the United States: Published during its Discussion by the People, 1787-1788
In 'Essays on the Constitution of the United States,' readers are presented with a seminal collection that dives deeply into the foundational debates and principles that shaped the United States...
the real French equivalent of Adam Smith, the greatest of your economists, head ...
thout the free labor of slaves. While addressing French readers of his General Theory, John Maynard Keynes described Montesquieu as "the real French equivalent of Adam Smith, the greatest of your...
More from the Enlightenment
Explore what happened on the days that shaped Elbridge Gerry's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.