The term "gerrymander" is a portmanteau of the last name of Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry and the word salamander. It was coined in 1812 to mock a bizarrely shaped political district designed to benefit Gerry's party. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The Origin Story
- The Catalyst: In 1812, Governor Elbridge Gerry signed a bill that redrew Massachusetts' state senate districts to favor his Democratic-Republican Party over the Federalists.
- The Shape: Critics noticed one particularly contorted district in Essex County that snaked around the region in a strange, thin shape.
- The Comparison: During a dinner party or meeting, someone remarked that the district's outline resembled a salamander.
- The Coining: A local newspaper editor (often attributed to the Boston Gazette) supposedly replied, "Better say Gerry-mander!". [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
The Famous Cartoon
The term exploded in popularity thanks to a political cartoon, likely drawn by Elkanah Tisdale, that appeared in the Boston Gazette on March 26, 1812. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- The cartoon depicted the district as a mythological monster with wings, claws, and a dragon-like head.
- It was labeled "The Gerry-mander," forever linking the Governor's name to the practice of partisan redistricting. [1, 2, 3, 4]
💡 Key Facts
- Irony: Elbridge Gerry reportedly disliked the redistricting plan but signed it out of party loyalty. [1, 2]
- Pronunciation: Gerry's name was pronounced with a hard "G" (like Gary), but the term is now commonly pronounced with a soft "G" (like Jerry). [1, 2]
- Political Fallout: Gerry actually lost his re-election for governor that same year, though his party kept control of the state senate thanks to the new map. [1, 2]
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