Barney Circle in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Public Vault
Congressional Cemetery
- Built by Congress in 1835 at a cost of $5,000.
- Used as a temporary receiving vault for bodies to be interred here or elsewhere at a later date.
- No charge for members of Congress, but $5 per month for private citizens.
- The temporary resting place of over 6,000 individuals over time.
- Temporary home to Presidents John Quincy Adams, William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor and Vice President John C. Calhoun.
- First Lady Dolley Madison spent two years in the vault after her death in 1849, before being transferred to the Causten vault across the path for another seven years until she was interred at Montpelier in 1858.
- The vault fell out of popular use in the 1930s, and was restored in 2005.
- Now a popular special event space, VIP room, and a popular tour stop.
Erected by Historic Congressional Cemetery.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.
Location. 38° 52.903′ N, 76° 58.713′ W. Marker is in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Barney Circle. Marker can be reached from the intersection of E Street Southeast
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gadsby Vault (a few steps from this marker); Commemorating The American Revolutionary Service of General Peterson Goodwyn (within shouting distance of this marker); Congressional Cemetery Government Lots (within shouting distance of this marker); Ann G. Sprigg (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mathew Brady Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Lee Dittman Shapiro 1949-1987 / James T. Lindelof 1957-1987 (within shouting distance of this marker); Mathew Brady (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Anna Murray-Douglass (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southeast Washington.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 4, 2022
2. The Public Vault with the marker standing to the right of the doorway
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 82 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 4, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
