Feb 11, 1812
#Massachusetts "Governor Elbridge Gerry signed a bill that created oddly-shaped voting districts...The lines of these districts gave Gerry's party an advantage in the upcoming election. An artist added a head, wings, & claws to the strange shape that was the governor's new home district and declared it looked like a salamander. A quick-witted friend decided a better name was 'Gerry-mander'
1 of our less illustrious contributions to the political culture
On the subject of the #Gerrymander (PT), the article points out that Governor Gerry's name was pronounced with a hard "g."
This provides you with a crucial opportunity to distinguish yourself from the rabble when discussing early #American #history in the course of cocktail-party banter or other high intellectual discourse.
Bonus: same is true of #ElginMarbles
In a future lesson, we will take up:
- Mainwaring
- Cholmondeley