THADDEUS STEVENS

(1792 – 1868)

Legislator and champion of equality, born in Danville, VT to a poor family. He graduated from Dartmouth College and studied law. Opponent of slavery, he practiced in Gettysburg where he defended fugitives without a fee. He served in the Pennsylvania Legislature (1833-41) and in the House of Representatives (1849-53 and 1859-68). He campaigned vigorously against the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 and later helped draft the 14th Amendment. After the war, he led the Radical Republicans insisting on rigid enforcement of new rights for African Americans. In a final declaration for equality, he arranged to be buried in a remote cemetery without racial barriers.

Image Courtesy of: Library of Congress

Stevens School Architectual Drawing
23rd St. N.W., btw. K & L Sts.

Built in 1868, extended through 1896

Image Courtesy of: Sumner School Museum

Stevens School
23rd St. N.W., btw. K & L Sts.

Image Courtesy of: Sumner School Museum

Congressional Cemetery
Range 59 Site 110

One of the cenotaphs designed by Benjamin Latrobe placed at Congressional Cemetery in honor of Representatives and Senators who died in office. Thaddeus Stevens is buried in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.