Kurt's Historic Sites
John Adams
| Cause of Death | Age | Burial Location | President Grave # |
| Debility; Heart failure | 90 | Quincy, Massachusetts | 1st in my collection |
The United First Parish Church, Each of the four people interred in the
which hold the remains of two crypt are commemorated with plaques that
presidents of the United States. highlight their life-long achievements.
The current building was opened
in 1828.
President Adams' sarcophagus. Until they were While my first visit to the tomb was in the
moved beneath the church, the statesman's year of 2003, I did not have a camera on
bones rested in Hancock Cemetery, located me. The photo of me above was taken on
across the street. my second visit in 2004, while the others
are from my 2010 pilgrimage.
*** Interesting Facts ***
* On March 5, 1770, a group of British troops fired upon a band of colonists, killing five of them. When the soldiers involved in the massacre were put on trial, they were defended by John Adams, one of Massachusetts' hardest working attorneys. Several other notable lawyers had been approached to take the job, but all others chose not to. Despite the fact that his allegiance lay with the colonists, Adams believed that it was only right to give the accused a fair trial. Most of the colonists believed that each soldier would be declared guilty and condemned, but Adams did his best not to be discouraged. Through in-depth research and invaluable eyewitness accounts, Adams was able to save each of the men from execution. The skill Adams demonstrated during the trial greatly impressed some important colonial figures, and eventually led to his appointment to the Continental Congress in 1774.
* In 1785, Adams was made America's first ambassador to Great Britain. He served as the minister plenipotentiary to the Court of St. James for three years before returning to the United States in 1788. Adams was just one of five ambassadors to Britain that later became president, the others being James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, and James Buchanan.
* As was the case with many people elected to the position, John Adams strongly disliked the vice presidency. George Washington rarely consulted with him about his decisions and instead left him to maintain peace in the U.S. Senate, a task Adams abhorred.
* John Adams was the first president to live in the White House, although it was not called that for many years. The president moved in to the Executive Mansion on November 1, 1800, just a few months before his term expired. In a letter to his wife Abigail the following evening, Adams wrote, "I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof." This quote is now etched in the mantelpiece in the White House's State Dining Room.
* Reportedly, Adams' final words were "Thomas Jefferson still survives," although the last two words were fairly inaudible. If John Adams actually did utter these words, he was incorrect. His dear friend had passed away over six hours prior. Adams' death made Charles Carroll the only surviving signatory of the Declaration of Independence.
First Lady: Abigail Smith Adams
- Spouse: Abigail Smith Adams (1744-1818)
Political Party: Federalist Party
Vice President: Thomas Jefferson
Last Words: "Thomas Jefferson still survives."
