# Elbridge Gerry > vice president of the United States from 1813 to 1814 **Wikidata**: [Q219797](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q219797) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elbridge_Gerry) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/elbridge-gerry ## Summary Elbridge Gerry was an American politician and Founding Father who served as the fifth vice president of the United States from 1813 to 1814. He is also remembered for his role in early U.S. political history, including co-founding the predecessor to the Democratic-Republican Party and lending his name to the practice of gerrymandering. ## Biography - Born: July 17, 1744, in Marblehead, Massachusetts - Nationality: United States - Education: Harvard College - Known for: Vice President of the United States (1813–1814), signer of the Treaty of Ghent, early American political figure - Employer(s): U.S. Government, State of Massachusetts - Field(s): Politics, Diplomacy, Government ## Contributions Elbridge Gerry made several significant contributions to early American governance and political development: - **Vice Presidency**: Served as the fifth vice president under President James Madison from 1813 until his death in 1814. - **Political Leadership**: A key figure in the early U.S. government, Gerry was involved in the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and held various state and federal offices. - **Diplomatic Service**: Participated in diplomatic missions, including involvement in the controversial mission to France during the XYZ Affair. - **Gerrymandering**: The term "gerrymandering" originates from a redistricting plan he approved as governor of Massachusetts in 1812, which was designed to benefit his party. ## FAQs ### Who was Elbridge Gerry? Elbridge Gerry was an American politician and Founding Father who served as the fifth vice president of the United States from 1813 to 1814. He was a signer of the Treaty of Ghent and played a key role in early U.S. political development. ### What is gerrymandering, and how is Elbridge Gerry connected to it? Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party. The term originates from Elbridge Gerry, who, as governor of Massachusetts in 1812, approved a redistricting plan that included oddly shaped districts to benefit his party. One district was said to resemble a salamander, leading to the term "Gerry-mander." ### What political roles did Elbridge Gerry hold? Elbridge Gerry held numerous political roles, including: - Member of the Continental Congress - Governor of Massachusetts (multiple terms) - Vice President of the United States (1813–1814) - Signer of the Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812 ### Where did Elbridge Gerry go to school? Elbridge Gerry was educated at Harvard College, from which he graduated in 1762. ### What is Elbridge Gerry's legacy? Elbridge Gerry is remembered as a key figure in early American politics, particularly for his role in shaping the office of the vice presidency and his contributions to the early political structure of the United States. His name is also permanently linked to the controversial practice of gerrymandering. ## Why They Matter Elbridge Gerry's legacy is significant in American political history. As a Founding Father, he helped shape the early U.S. government and constitutional framework. His vice presidency, though brief, occurred during a pivotal time in U.S. history, including the War of 1812. His association with gerrymandering also left a lasting impact on electoral politics, influencing debates about fair representation for centuries. ## Notable For - Serving as the fifth vice president of the United States (1813–1814) - Co-founding the Democratic-Republican Party - Lending his name to the term "gerrymandering" - Being a signer of the Treaty of Ghent - Governor of Massachusetts - Member of the Continental Congress - Educated at Harvard College - Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences ## Body ### Early Life and Education Elbridge Gerry was born on July 17, 1744, in Marblehead, Massachusetts. He was educated at Harvard College, graduating in 1762. His early career was marked by success in business and politics, aligning him with revolutionary causes and early American governance. ### Political Career Gerry was an active participant in the American Revolution and early U.S. politics: - He was a signer of the Continental Association in 1774. - Served in the Massachusetts General Court and the Continental Congress. - Later became a prominent figure in the Democratic-Republican Party, opposing the Federalist Party. As governor of Massachusetts, he approved a controversial redistricting plan in 1812 that gave rise to the term "gerrymandering." One district was described as resembling a salamander, leading to the portmanteau "Gerry-mander." ### Vice Presidency Elbridge Gerry was elected as James Madison's running mate in 1812 and served as the fifth vice president of the United States from 1813 until his death on November 23, 1814. His tenure was marked by the ongoing War of 1812 and his involvement in diplomatic efforts, including the Treaty of Ghent. ### Diplomatic Involvement Gerry was involved in several diplomatic missions, including the ill-fated mission to France during the XYZ Affair (1797–1798), which led to increased tensions between the U.S. and France. ### Legacy and Recognition Elbridge Gerry is recognized for his enduring impact on American political language and practice. The term "gerrymandering" remains a central concept in discussions of electoral fairness and political strategy. He is also remembered as a signer of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812. His life and career reflect the complexities of early American governance, including the challenges of balancing state and federal authority, navigating partisan politics, and shaping democratic institutions. ## References 1. @unitedstates project 2. Genealogics 3. [Source](https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/founding-fathers) 4. [A New Nation Votes: American Electoral Returns, 1788-1825](https://elections.lib.tufts.edu/catalog/GE0049) 5. [Source](https://www.amacad.org/sites/default/files/media/document/2019-10/electionIndex1780-1799.pdf) 6. International Standard Name Identifier 7. SNAC 8. Find a Grave 9. CERL Thesaurus 10. GeneaStar 11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 12. Virtual International Authority File 13. [Source](https://elections.lib.tufts.edu/catalog/GE0049)