10 fun and interesting James Madison facts

1. James Madison, Founding Father and 4th President of the United States

James Madison, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was born on March 6, 1751 in Port Conway, Virginia. After graduating from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) with a Bachelor of Arts degree on September 23, 1771, Madison went on to become a key figure in the American Revolution and the formation of the United States Constitution. He was an influential political theorist and the fourth President of the United States, serving from 1809 to 1817.

Also → Madison, Wisconsin: A City of Diversity and Legacy

2. A Patriot's Legacy

In December of 1774, James Madison was elected to the Orange County Committee of Safety, and the following year he joined the Virginia Militia as a colonel. His commitment to the cause of American independence was unwavering, and his leadership in the militia was instrumental in the success of the Revolutionary War. Madison's service in the militia was a testament to his dedication to the cause of freedom and liberty.

Also → James Monroe: A Leader of Virginia

3. James Madison's Political Ambition Pays Off in Virginia

Despite his initial setback in 1777, when James Madison lost his bid for a seat in the Virginia Assembly, he was soon appointed to the Governor's Council, demonstrating his political prowess and influence in the state. His appointment to the Governor's Council was a testament to his dedication to public service and his commitment to the state of Virginia.

Also → Six Virginia Presidents

4. A Key Figure in the Founding of the United States

In 1780, James Madison, a prominent Founding Father of the United States, traveled to Philadelphia to serve as one of Virginia's delegates to the Continental Congress. During his time in Philadelphia, Madison was an active participant in the debates and discussions that would shape the future of the United States. He was instrumental in the drafting of the Virginia Plan, which served as the basis for the Constitution of the United States, and he was also a key figure in the ratification of the Bill of Rights. Madison's contributions to the founding of the United States are still remembered and celebrated today.

Also → Washington: Named After a President

5. Founding Father of US Constitution

James Madison was a key figure in the formation of the United States Constitution. In 1787, he was the driving force behind the Constitutional Convention, and presented the first version of the Bill of Rights to Congress. His efforts were instrumental in the creation of the Constitution, which established the framework for the government of the United States. Madison's version of the Bill of Rights was the basis for the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which guarantee the rights of citizens and protect them from government overreach. Madison's legacy as a Founding Father of the United States is remembered to this day.

Also → Thomas Jefferson: A Revolutionary Founding Father

6. James Madison, Founding Father of the Democratic-Republican Party

James Madison, along with Thomas Jefferson, was a founding member of the Democratic-Republican Party in 1792. This was the first opposition political party in the United States, and it was created in response to the Federalist Party, which had been established by Alexander Hamilton. The Democratic-Republican Party was a major force in American politics for the next two decades, and Madison himself served as the fourth President of the United States from 1809 to 1817.

Also → John Adams: A Revolutionary Leader and Founding Father

7. James Madison's Louisiana Purchase: A Major Achievement

In 1803, James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, oversaw the historic Louisiana Purchase from the French. This monumental event saw the United States acquire 828,000 square miles of land from France, doubling the size of the nation and greatly expanding its borders. The purchase was made for a total of $15 million, and it was a major accomplishment of Madison's presidency.

Also → James Buchanan: The 15th President of the United States

8. Fourth President of the United States

In 1809, James Madison was elected as the fourth President of the United States, defeating Charles C. Pinckney in a landslide victory. Madison, who had served as Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of State, was a key figure in the development of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His presidency was marked by the War of 1812, the establishment of the Second Bank of the United States, and the negotiation of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the war. Madison's legacy as a Founding Father of the United States is remembered to this day.

Also → Garfield's Political Career Begins with Election to Congress

9. US Leader in War of 1812

James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, was a key figure in the War of 1812. He led the US against the British, but in 1814, the British forces were able to capture Washington and forced Madison to flee to Virginia. This was a major blow to the US, as the British were able to burn down many of the public buildings, including the White House. Despite this setback, Madison was able to rally the US forces and eventually win the war.

Also → Signing of the Declaration: PA's Revolutionary Role

10. James Madison Retires to Virginia After Two Terms as President

After serving two terms as President of the United States, James Madison retired to his home in Virginia in 1817. He was re-elected in 1812 and lived out the remainder of his life at his Montpelier estate in Orange County, Virginia, where he passed away on June 28, 1836. Madison's legacy as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the fourth President of the United States will live on forever.