Israel Thorndike, Elbridge Gerry, and The Gerrymander
Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts
Marker Inscription
The Gerrymander. Near this site stood the home of state senator Israel Thorndike, a merchant and privateer. During a visit here in 1812 by Governor Elbridge Gerry, an electoral district was oddly redrawn to provide advantage to the party in office. Shaped by political intent rather than any natural boundaries, its appearance resembled a salamander. A frustrated member of the opposition party called it a gerrymander, a term still in use today.
Erected by Bostonian Society
The Story
During an 1812 visit to the Boston home of state senator Israel Thorndike, Governor Elbridge Gerry approved an electoral map redrawn to favor his own party. One district twisted so unnaturally that critics said it resembled a salamander, and an opponent dubbed it a "gerrymander." The coinage stuck, giving American politics one of its most enduring and contentious terms.
Why it matters
This spot gave a name to partisan district-drawing, a practice that still shapes debates over fair representation in American democracy.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Griffin Museum at Digital Silver Imaging5.8 mi away
- Edmund Fowle House6.3 mi away · 26;28 Marshall Street, Watertown, MA
- Drive By Projects6.3 mi away · 81 Spring Street, Watertown, MA
- Cyrus Dallin Art Museum6.4 mi away · 611 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA
- Armenian Museum of America6.6 mi away · 65 Main Street, Watertown, MA
- Smith Museum Archives6.6 mi away · 5;7 Jason Terrace, MA
Attractions
- Harvard Square3.3 mi away
- 1899 MIT Observatory site6.1 mi away
- Heartbreak Hill (Top/End)6.2 mi away
- Arlington Center Historic District6.6 mi away
- Central Street Historical District6.6 mi away
- Heartbreak Hill (Bottom/Start)6.7 mi away
Food & drink
- Lexington House of Pizza9.7 mi away
- Dunkin'10.5 mi away · 10 Woburn Street, Lexington, MA
- Formosa Taipei10.6 mi away
- Bruegger's Bagels10.6 mi away
- Spirit of India10.6 mi away
- Dunkin'10.6 mi away · 373 Waltham Street, Lexington, MA
Places to stay
- Homewood Suites5.1 mi away · 1 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA
- The Lodge at Brandeis10.4 mi away
- Hilton Garden Inn10.5 mi away · 450 Totten Pond Road, Waltham, MA
- Extended Stay America10.6 mi away · 52 Fourth Avenue
- Extended Stay America10.6 mi away · 32 Fourth Avenue
- Best Western10.6 mi away · 380 Winter Street
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Elbridge Gerry
- · Israel Thorndike
Themes & tags
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