King George in King George County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
James Madison's Birthplace
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 (DHR) series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is March 16, 1751.
Location. 38° 10.764′ N, 77° 11.129′ W. Marker is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
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
Another marker is no longer nearby. Birthplace of Madison (was here, next to this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
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 6,141 times since then and 390 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.
