King George in King George County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
James Madison's Birthplace
James Madison, "Father of the Constitution" and fourth president of the United States, was born here at Port Conway on 16 March 1751, in a house that no longer stands. His mother, Eleanor Conway Madison, was visiting her family at their plantation, Belle Grove. Madison was raised in Orange County and inherited Montpelier, his father's estate there. Madison served in the Virginia House of Delegates, Continental Congress, U.S. House of Representatives, and as Pres. Thomas Jefferson's secretary of state. He advocated religious freedom, drafted the Bill of Rights, and was president during the War of 1812. He died in 1836.Erected 2016 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number EP-8.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Government & Politics • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, the Former U.S. Presidents: #04 James Madison, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is March 16, 1751.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. King George County / Caroline County (here, next to this marker); Emmanuel Church (a few steps from this marker); Emmanuel Episcopal Church (a few steps from this marker); This monument, until 1983 located on the Belle Grove Lawn (within shouting distance of this marker); Port Royal Harbor (approx. half a mile away); Port Royal (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Port Royal (approx. half a mile away); Dorothy Roy (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in King George.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker replaces Birthplace of Madison which was previously at this exact location.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, April 1, 2016
3. James Madison
This 1829-30 portrait of James Madison by Chester Harding hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.
"As a central figure in framing the Constitution, James Madison had a good deal of influence over shaping the American presidency. But helping to conceive that office did not guarantee success in occupying it, and much of Madison's own presidency was marred by his inept handling of the War of 1812 and the bitter criticism that it engendered. Derisively labeled 'Mr. Madison's War,' the conflict, one commentator railed, had been 'commenced in folly ... carried on with madness, and ... will end in ruin.' The advent of peace in late 1814, however, mellowed feelings toward Madison. Although many of the issues that had spawned hostilities remained unresolved, the war had produced enough military glory to satisfy national pride. In the process, Madison emerged as the American David who had dared to take on the British Goliath.
In 1829, Madison came out of retirement to attend a convention for revising Virginia's constitution. While there, he posed for this portrait by the Massachusetts painter Chester Harding." -- National Portrait Gallery
"As a central figure in framing the Constitution, James Madison had a good deal of influence over shaping the American presidency. But helping to conceive that office did not guarantee success in occupying it, and much of Madison's own presidency was marred by his inept handling of the War of 1812 and the bitter criticism that it engendered. Derisively labeled 'Mr. Madison's War,' the conflict, one commentator railed, had been 'commenced in folly ... carried on with madness, and ... will end in ruin.' The advent of peace in late 1814, however, mellowed feelings toward Madison. Although many of the issues that had spawned hostilities remained unresolved, the war had produced enough military glory to satisfy national pride. In the process, Madison emerged as the American David who had dared to take on the British Goliath.
In 1829, Madison came out of retirement to attend a convention for revising Virginia's constitution. While there, he posed for this portrait by the Massachusetts painter Chester Harding." -- National Portrait Gallery
Credits. This page was last revised on May 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 897 times since then and 154 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 12, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on May 12, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
