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James Madison 4th President of the United States

(March 4, 1809 to March 3, 1817) Nicknames: "Father of the Constitution" Born: March 16, 1751, in Port Conway, Virginia

Died: June 28, 1836, at Montpelier, Virginia

Father: James Madison

Mother: Nelly Conway Madison

Married: Dolley Payne Todd (1768-1849), on September 15, 1794

Children: None

Religion: Episcopalian

Education: Graduated from College of New Jersey (now Princeton University; 1771)

Occupation: Lawyer

Political Party: Democratic-Republican

Other Government Positions:

Member of Virginia Constitutional Convention, 1776

Member of Continental Congress, 1780-83

Member of Virginia Legislature, 1784-86

Member of Constitutional Convention, 1787

Member of U.S. House of Representatives, 1789-97

Secretary of State, 1801-09 (under Jefferson)

Presidential Salary: $25,000/year

Vice Presidents: George Clinton (1809-12); Elbridge Gerry (1813-14)

Cabinet:

Supreme Court Appointments:

Notable Events:

1811 Madison allows 20-year charter of Bank of the United States to lapse. William Henry Harrison fought Indians led by Chief Tecumseh at Tippecanoe, near Indianapolis, November 7.

1812 War declared on England on June 18 after England continued to attack U.S. ships headed to France. Madison reelected.

1814 City of Washington captured and burned by British, August 24. Francis Scott Key observed flag over Fort McHenry at Baltimore, September 14, inspiring him to write "The Star-Spangled Banner". Treaty of Ghent ended War of 1812 on December 24, but fighting continued.

1815 Andrew Jackson defeated British at New Orleans January 8, after war ended.

1816 Second Bank of the United States chartered, April 10.



Internet Biographies:

Historical Documents:

Other Internet Resources:

James Madison Building Inscriptions and quotations in the James Madison Building of the Library of Congress. James Madison Museum Facts, tourist information, and an online bookstore. Montpelier Hours and brief description.

Points of Interest:

Madison was the first president who had prior service as a congressman.

Zachary Taylor and Madison were second cousins.

Zachary Taylor and Madison were second cousins. Madison was the first president to wear long trousers. All previous presidents wore knee breeches.

During the War of 1812 Madison was under enemy fire. He was the first president to be in that situation.

At 5 feet, 4 inches and less than 100 pounds, he was the shortest and lightest president.

Dolley Madison sent the first personal message using the Morse telegraph in 1844.

Previous President: Thomas Jefferson | Next President: James Monroe

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