The political monster that refuses to die

Well before the Texas gerrymander, history dealt Elbridge Gerry a bad hand

Most of us are destined for obscurity. Even people who have achieved success and status in their chosen field likely will be forgotten only a few decades from now.

Take the 56 people who signed the Declaration of Independence 249 years ago: how many Americans can name more than five of them? (John Hancock, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Samuel Adams are the easy ones to remember.)

One of the lesser-known signers is also renowned, at least as a footnote in history textbooks. It’s not because he signed the Declaration. Or was instrumental in the development of the Bill of Rights. Or was one of the American commissioners who refused to pay a bribe to the French foreign minister Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand. Or served as vice president of the United States, governor of Massachusetts and member of Congress.

No, Elbridge Gerry is remembered for a notorious moment in his long career — reluctantly backing a redistricting plan designed to help his party win as many seats as possi…