King George in King George County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Belle Grove

A Birthplace of Revolutionary Spirit

— Road to Revolution —

Belle Grove Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, October 31, 2026

1. Belle Grove Marker

Inscription. This ground was trod upon by some of the most compelling figures of the American Revolution, including presidents George Washington and James Madison. But ordinary heroes made their contributions to independence here too, including Madison's mother, Eleanor "Nelly" Conway, and his cousin Francis Conway III.

The house before you was built in 1791, but the foundations of an earlier home exist in the crawl space and behind the present-day garage. Nelly Conway was born (in 1731) and raised in that earlier home. Nelly married James Madison, Sr. in 1749, but returned here to give birth to her first child, James Madison - the future President and "Father of the Constitution" - on March 16, 1751.

During the Revolutionary War, the younger Madison served as a delegate to Virginia's revolutionary conventions and the Continental Congress. He organized resources for the war effort, drafted legislation, and advocated for religious freedom.

Nelly Conway herself contributed to the war effort and supported a drive among the women of Virginia to raise funds and supplies for the Continental Army. Her cousin Capt. Francis Conway III, who

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resided here, served as a member of the Virginia Minute Battalion and fought at Yorktown.

Today, Belle Grove's revolutionary history echoes in the stories of those who lived here and whose contributions helped secure American liberty.

Photo Captions:

Eleanor Rose Conway, Painted by Charles Peale Polk, c. 1799.
Image from Wikimedia Commons

This cameo of James Madison, painted by Charles Wilson Peale, shows the future president at age 32.
Courtesy Library of Congress

Erected by Road to Revolution Heritage Trail (Civil War Trails, Inc.).

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary • Women. In addition, it is included in the Road to Revolution Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 16, 1751.

Location. 38° 10.81′ N, 77° 11.233′ W. Marker is in King George, Virginia, in King George County. It is on Belle Grove Drive 0.2 miles west of James Madison Parkway (U.S. 301), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9221 Belle Grove Dr, King George VA

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, October 31, 2026

2. Belle Grove Marker

The 1791 Belle Grove Plantation House, built over the foundation of James Madison's birthplace, is in the background visible between the bush and the trees at distant right.

22485, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in the Tidewater,

in the Chesapeake Bay Region,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: A River Surrounded by Its People (here, next to this marker); Belle Grove Plantation (a few steps from this marker); Belle Grove Graves Monument (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Emmanuel Church (about 500 feet away); James Madison's Birthplace (about 600 feet away); King George County / Caroline County (about 600 feet away); Port Royal Harbor (approx. half a mile away); Port Royal (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in King George.

Another

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, October 31, 2026

3. Belle Grove Marker

Belle Grove has accumulated a row of markers on the farm road just outside of the inner driveway. The Road to Revolution marker is the furthest - and newest- of the three.

marker is no longer nearby. Birthplace of Madison (was about 600 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, October 31, 2026

4. Belle Grove

The house is now operated as a bed and breakfast and event venue.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 2, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on November 1, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia.