Near Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
James Monroe
1758 - 1831
— Soldier * Patriot * Statesman —
This marks the birthplace of James Monroe, April 28, 1758
Westmoreland County, Virginia
Attended college of William & Mary; Officer, Continental Army, American Revolution; Married Elizabeth Kortright, 1786; US Senator; Minister Plenipotentiary to France and then to England; Represented the United States in Spain; Governor of Virginia; Signed treaty of Louisiana Purchase; Negotiated to acquire Florida; Secretary of State; Secretary of War; Fifth U.S. President, 1817-1825; Promulgated Monroe Doctrine, 1823; Died July 4, 1831, Buried Hollywood Cemetery; Richmond, VA.
Erected 2008 by Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution, Mary Jane Irwin Davis, State Regent; presented 26 April 2008.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Government & Politics • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #05 James Monroe series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 28, 1875.
Location. 38° 14.525′ N, 76° 59.422′ W. Marker is near Colonial Beach, Virginia, in Westmoreland County. Marker is on James Monroe Highway (Virginia Route 205), on the left when traveling south
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Birthplace of James Monroe (here, next to this marker); Birthplace of Monroe (here, next to this marker); Virginia's Northern Neck (here, next to this marker); James Monroe's Virginia Legacy (here, next to this marker); James Monroe Birthplace (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.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 16, 2015
3. James Monroe
This 1816 portrait of James Monroe by John Vanderlyn hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.
“In 1820, White House incumbent James Monroe stood virtually unopposed in his bid for a second term, an expression of the so-called ‘Era of Good Feelings’ that set in after the War of 1812 and was marked by a temporary halt in two-party factionalism.
Monroe brought to his presidency a style that meshed well with this rancorless climate. When, for example, he vetoed public improvements legislation, he offered Congress suggestions for accomplishing the same end through means that circumvented his Constitution-based objections. The most enduring legacy of his administration, however, was the Monroe Doctrine, which registered opposition to European meddling in the Western Hemisphere. It ultimately became a keystone of American foreign policy.
The restrained coloring and brushwork in Monroe's portrait by John Vanderlyn testifies to the strong influence of French neoclassicism during the artist's years of study in Paris. It may also reflect Monroe's own tastes, which ran to the French as a result of several diplomatic missions to Paris.” — National Portrait Gallery
“In 1820, White House incumbent James Monroe stood virtually unopposed in his bid for a second term, an expression of the so-called ‘Era of Good Feelings’ that set in after the War of 1812 and was marked by a temporary halt in two-party factionalism.
Monroe brought to his presidency a style that meshed well with this rancorless climate. When, for example, he vetoed public improvements legislation, he offered Congress suggestions for accomplishing the same end through means that circumvented his Constitution-based objections. The most enduring legacy of his administration, however, was the Monroe Doctrine, which registered opposition to European meddling in the Western Hemisphere. It ultimately became a keystone of American foreign policy.
The restrained coloring and brushwork in Monroe's portrait by John Vanderlyn testifies to the strong influence of French neoclassicism during the artist's years of study in Paris. It may also reflect Monroe's own tastes, which ran to the French as a result of several diplomatic missions to Paris.” — National Portrait Gallery
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2008, by Gary D. Carter of King George, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,100 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 5, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on July 18, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
