James Madison
Father of the Constitution Fourth President of the United States
The Early Years
• Born in 1751 to James and Eleanor Madison in Port Conway, Virginia • Grew up in Orange County, Virginia and later inherited his father’s estate, Montpelier • Grew up on a plantation among slaves • Received his early education at home, then received formal education at the College of New Jersey, now Princeton • Very involved in Virginia State politics
Family Life
• Married Dolley Payne Todd at age 43 • They had no children but it is reported that they had a great life together • Dolley Madison became famous as a First Lady and for saving many important items during War of 1812
Historical Contribution
• Constitutional Convention Delegate from Virginia • Proposed the Virginia Plan which became basis for Constitution • Kept a Journal of the proceedings • 4th President of the U.S. • Declared War on Britain in 1812
Related People or Events
• Madison served as Secretary of State to Thomas Jefferson • He developed friendships with George Washington and Benjamin Franklin • Andrew Jackson was a trusted General in War of 1812
The After Years
• Madison became involved in the founding of U of Virginia with Thomas Jefferson • Did they do something else interesting • Plagued with chronic illness, he was confined to his home for much of his later life • Died 1836 at his home in Orange County, VA • Any famous ancestors?
Works Cited
• http://moderntimes.vcdh.virginia.edu/madis on/exhibit/index.html • http://www.encarta.msn.com/find/Concise.a sp?z=1&pg=2&ti=761576510 • http://www.historyguy.com/HistoricalDocu ments.html