Tomb of Mayor-For-Life Marion Barry.

Tomb of Mayor-For-Life Marion Barry

Washington, DC

Marion Barry was mayor of Washington, DC, for 16 years, from 1979 to 1991 and from 1995 to 1999. In between he served six months in federal prison, following a conviction for possession of crack cocaine. He had been caught in January 1990 on a sting jointly operated by the District police and the FBI.

Tomb of Mayor-For-Life Marion Barry.

Despite his incarceration, Barry's work as a civil rights leader, and his efforts to build a Black middle class in "Chocolate City," brought him much admiration. His sizable grave monument is one of the most visited sites in Congressional Cemetery. Unveiled in November 2016, its flourishes include a bronze likeness of Barry, a Black hand shaking a white hand (similar to a symbol used during the 1963 March on Washington), and a bench with a quote about the "Mayor For Life" written by famous poet Maya Angelou.

[Grave report by Kurt Deion]

Congressional Cemetery Map

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Also see: Congressional Cemetery

Tomb of Mayor-For-Life Marion Barry

Congressional Cemetery

Address:: 1801 E St. SE, Washington, DC
Directions:: Walk into the cemetery at the intersection of Potomac Ave. SE and E St. SE. Walk straight in until you reach the chapel, then turn left. Walk to the second cross path and turn right. You'll see Mayor Barry's elaborate black granite grave ahead on the right.
Hours:: Daylight daily; gated after hours. Office M-F 9-5. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 202-543-0539

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