James Monroe Birthplace

James Monroe Birthplace. Road to Revolution Heritage Trail. , President James Monroe was born here on April 28, 1758 to Spence and Eliza Jones Monroe. He lived on this farm until he left to attend the College of William and Mary. He sold the farm to 1783 following his father's death.

The 500 acre farm, which included marshes, oak trees and an apple and peach orchard, was adjacent to a larger tract acquired by his great-great-grandfather Andrew Monroe, who came here from Scotland by 1650.

Spence Monroe worked as a carpenter. In addition to being a farmer. This was a small middle class working farm, not a large or prosperous plantation.

James Monroe served with distinction during the Revolutionary War, fighting in six battles and severely wounded at Trenton. He was praised by George Washington for his bravery and ability, and finished the war serving as an aide to Governor Thomas Jefferson. He spent most of his life in public service, including the Virginia legislature, the Continental Congress, the U.S. Senate, as Minister to France, England and Spain, as Governor of Virginia, as Secretary and State and Secretary of War before his election as President. His two terms as President. His two terms as President 1817-1825, were known as the Era of Good Feelings and he remained immensely popular throughout his public career. His 1823 Monroe Doctrine on the rights of national self-determination remains the cornerstone of American foreign policy. . This historical marker is Near Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County Virginia