President Madison

James Madison was born in Port Conway, Virginia at midnight on March 16, 1751. He is one of seven Presidents from Virginia.

His friends called him "Jemmie." He was the oldest of 12 children.

James Madison was called "The Father of the Constitution." He was one of two presidents to sign the Constitution. (George Washington was the other.)

During the Continental Congress James Madison took extensive notes that allow historians to know what happened during the congress. (The congress is where our current constitution was written.

He was the youngest representative at the Continental Congress.

Madison was the shortest and slightest president. He was only 5 ft. 4 in. tall and weighed just 100 pounds,

Madison and Zachary Taylor were second cousins.

Madison finished his undergraduate degree at Princeton in two years. He stayed at the university for another year after he graduated making him the first graduate student at Princeton.

James (43) married Dolley Payne Todd (26) on September 15, 1794. She widow with one son.

Madison owned slaves.

James Madison: half first cousin twice removed of George Washington.

Madison served as Secretary of State for President Jefferson.

He won the election with 122 electoral votes, Pinckney had 47, and Clinton 6. In his second election Madison had 128 electoral votes and Clinton 89 electoral votes.

James Madison was the first president to have an inaugural ball in Washington, D.C. It was held in Long's Hotel.

As President, James Madison lead the US against the British during the War of 1812, (1812-1814). He was comander even though though he never served in the military.

President Madison was the first president who had been a congressman. Other offices he held besides President are:

During his terms, James Madison had two Vice Presidents. He alson had times when no one was serving as Vice President. He was only president who had two vice presidents die while they were in office. See the list below:

James Madison was the first President to regularly wear trousers instead of knee breeches.

The first state formed from the Louisiana Purchase was added to the U.S. While he was President. The state was Louisiana.

The Madison's may have been the first President and First Lady to serve their guests ice cream. (Jefferson might have been the first to do this.)

When the British burned the White House, the president and his wife fled. His wife Dolley, however, was able save the Declaration of Independence and a painting of George Washington.

Dolley Madison (The link will take you to her page). She was very popular. One source said she was also the first person to send personal message by telegraph.

Dolley had a pet parrot who lived in the White House with the Madison's. The parrot outlived both Dolley and James.

James Madison died after 6 a.m. on June 28, 1836. He was 85 years and 104 days old. He is buried in Montpelier, Va. He died of heart failure.

James Madison
1809 - 1817
4th President

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James Madison 1809 - 1817 4th President

James Madison
1809 - 1817
4th President