Benjamin G. Orr

Benjamin Grayson Orr (1762 – 1822) was the fourth mayor of Washington, D.C., elected by the council of aldermen in 1817 and serving for two years.

Orr, probably born in Virginia, was a grocer in Georgetown — which in the early 19th century was a separate town from Washington. He moved into the city in 1812 and was elected an Alderman, but resigned one year later and became a supplier to U.S. Army brigades in Ohio and Michigan. [http://www.congressionalcemetery.org/PDF/Obits/O/Obits_Orr.pdf]

As mayor, Orr procured public improvements such as grading of the streets and established Washington’s first volunteer fire companies, appropriating $1,000 for the purchase of four fire bells and procured apparatus for the companies. He also authorized a lottery to raise funds to build a penitentiary and city hall. [ [http://www.congressionalcemetery.org/Education/Tours/WalkingTour_Mayors.pdf Belva Lockwood And The 'Way Of The World' ] ]

He died in 1822 and was buried in Congressional Cemetery. Benjamin Orr Elementary School in Washington is named for him.

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