On This Day
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Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry signs a redistricting bill - first "gerrymander"

Elbridge Thomas Gerry (July 17 [O.S. July 6] 1744– November 23, 1814) was an American Founding Father, merchant, politician, and diplomat who, as a member of the Second Continental Congress, signed...

Elbridge Thomas Gerry (July 17 [O.S. July 6] 1744– November 23, 1814) 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.

Born into a wealthy merchant family, Gerry vocally opposed British colonial policy in the 1760s and was active in the early stages of organizing the resistance in the American Revolutionary War.

Historical Significance

Elbridge Thomas Gerry (July 17 [O.

Events Before

  1. US Vice President John C. Calhoun (28) weds Floride Bonneau (19)

    US Vice President John C. Calhoun (28) weds Floride Bonneau (19)

  2. First US colonists on the Pacific coast arrive at Cape Disappointment, Washington

    First US colonists on the Pacific coast arrive at Cape Disappointment, Washington

  3. Venezuelan Declaration of Independence: Seven provinces declare independence from Spain

    The Venezuelan Declaration of Independence (Spanish: Acta de la Declaración de Independencia de Venezuela) is a document drafted and adopted by Venezuela on July 5, 1811, through which Venezuelans...

  4. English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (19) elopes to Scotland with 1st wife Harriet Westbrook (16)

    Percy Bysshe Shelley ( BISH; 4 August 1792 – 8 July 1822) was an English writer who is considered one of the major English Romantic poets.

  5. British East India Company force led by Baron Minto conquers Java, then part of the Dutch East Indies. Stamford Raffles

    British East India Company force led by Baron Minto conquers Java, then part of the Dutch East Indies. Stamford Raffles is appointed lieutenant-governor.

Events After

  1. Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" is published by Thomas Egerton in the United Kingdom

    Pride and Prejudice is the second published novel (but third to be written) by English author Jane Austen, written when she was aged 20–21, and later published in 1813. A novel of manners, it follows…

  2. John Tyler (23) later 10th US President, marries 1st wife Letitia Christian Tyler (22)

    John Tyler (23) later 10th US President, marries 1st wife Letitia Christian Tyler (22)

  3. Austrian composer Johann Nepomuk Hummel (35) weds German opera singer Elisabeth Röckel (20) in Vienna, Austria, until hi

    Austrian composer Johann Nepomuk Hummel (35) weds German opera singer Elisabeth Röckel (20) in Vienna, Austria, until his death in 1837

  4. South American independence leader Simón Bolívar enters Mérida, leading the invasion of Venezuela, and is proclaimed El

    South American independence leader Simón Bolívar enters Mérida, leading the invasion of Venezuela, and is proclaimed El Libertador (The Liberator)

  5. American naval commander Oliver Hazard Perry defeats the British in the Battle of Lake Erie

    Oliver Hazard Perry (August 23, 1785 – August 23, 1819) was a United States Navy officer from South Kingstown, Rhode Island.

More from the 1810s

Leading Romantic poet Lord Byron (27) marries Anne Isabella Milbanke (22) by special licence, at Seaham Hall in County D

Leading Romantic poet Lord Byron (27) marries Anne Isabella Milbanke (22) by special licence, at Seaham Hall in County Durham

Field Marshal Blücher's troops cross the Rhine at Kaub

Field Marshal Blücher's troops cross the Rhine at Kaub

US Vice President John C. Calhoun (28) weds Floride Bonneau (19)

US Vice President John C. Calhoun (28) weds Floride Bonneau (19)

French church annuls marriage of Napoleon I and Empress Joséphine

Joséphine Bonaparte was the first wife of Emperor Napoleon I and as such Empress of the French from 18 May 1804 until their marriage was annulled on 10 January 1810.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on February 11, 1812?
Elbridge Thomas Gerry (July 17 [O.S. July 6] 1744– November 23, 1814) 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.
Why is Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry signs a redistricting bill - first "ger... significant?
Elbridge Thomas Gerry (July 17 [O.

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February 11 in HistoryYear 1812