James McGirk
description: James McGirk was the first person to be executed in the District of Columbia on October 28, 1802. He was found guilty of murdering his wife. At this time, the gallows were located on the Capitol Grounds, between where the Grant and Garfield statues stand today.
creator: James McGirk
source: Washington Federalist. April 14, 1802.
date: 10/28/1802
coverage: 1800-1829