Description Elbridge Gerry was a signatory on the Declaration of Independence. In 1810 he was elected the ninth governor of Massachusetts. Gerry was criticized for redistricting the state to give an advantage to his political party, the Democratic-Republican. This is the source of the term “gerrymandering.” Elbridge Gerry was elected the vice president of the United States in 1812 under Madison. In November 1814, he fell ill and died. When the U.S. Government was formed it was decided that the vice president was the person who received the second most votes of the presidential candidates in the Electoral College. However, in 1800 there was a tie between Jefferson and Burr, and the House of Representatives had to make the decision of who was to be vice president. This led to the Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution, which decided there were to be separate ballots for the vice presidential candidates. This U.S. Vice President Elbridge Gerry History Mug is part of our U.S. Vice Presidents Series which includes all of the US Vice Presidents. The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia-tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont. Mugs are food and microwave safe. To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing. Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
