Valdese in Burke County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

James Madison

Circa 1776

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025

1. James Madison Marker

Inscription.
March 17, 1751 - June 28, 1836
Age: 36 Height: 5' 4" Weight: 122 lbs
Hair: Brown Eyes: Blue

James Madison was a statesman, diplomat, philosopher, and expansionist. He is hailed as the "Father of The Constitution," as he drafted most of the document with the assistance of Thomas Jefferson. He also led the way in the writing and passage of The Bill of Rights.

James Madison was an absolute rock star for his time. When he entered a room, people would hush and gather near, hoping to hear his words.

Having served in the Continental Congress during and after the Revolution, he co-wrote the Federalist Papers with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, and co-founded the Democratic-Republican Party.

As an expansionist, he oversaw the Louisiana Purchase under President Thomas Jefferson, which doubled the size of the United States.

James Madison served as the 4th President of the United States, right after Thomas Jefferson. He successfully led our young country through the War of 1812, our final war with Great Britain.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Government & Politics

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

• Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical year for this entry is 1776.

Location. 35° 44.623′ N, 81° 33.853′ W. Marker is in Valdese, North Carolina, in Burke County. It is at the intersection of Main Street West (U.S. 70) and Faet Street Southwest, on the left when traveling west on Main Street West. The location of the marker and Madison statue is at Valdese Education Park at the back left corner. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 227 Main St W, Valdese NC 28690, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Mountains. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in 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: Benjamin Franklin

James Madison Marker and statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025

2. James Madison Marker and statue

(here, next to this marker); The Charters of Freedom (here, next to this marker); John Adams (a few steps from this marker); Thomas Jefferson (a few steps from this marker); The Waldensians (within shouting distance of this marker); Waldensian Heritage Museum (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Waldensian Colony (about 600 feet away); Waldenses (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Valdese.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 127 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 11, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.