Career

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 United States. Army brigades in Ohio and Michigan. 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.

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