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
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Colonial Era • Government & Politics • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #05 James Monroe series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 28, 1758.
Location. 38° 14.52′ N, 76° 59.419′ W. Marker is near Colonial Beach, Virginia, in Westmoreland County. Marker is on James Monroe Highway (Virginia Route 205) 0.2 miles north of Old Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4455 James Monroe Hwy, Colonial Beach VA 22443, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. James Monroe's Virginia Legacy (here, next to this marker); James Monroe (a few steps from this marker); Birthplace of James Monroe (a few steps from this marker); Birthplace of Monroe (a few steps from this marker); Virginia's Northern Neck (a few steps from this marker); Soldier - Statesman President James Monroe (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Birthright and Beginnings (about 500 feet away); Monroe's Childhood Home (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Colonial Beach.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
