James Madison (Mar 16, 1751 to June 28, 1836)

Montpelier became part of the president’s “family” in 1723. By the ’40s, his father had ramped up the acreage, increased the number of slaves, fathered 12 children, and hiked up the blacksmithing/tobacco services.

For the president to be-and The Father of the Constitution–the estate shielded James and Dolley from the worries in Washington; he died in 1836. Eight years later, Dolley’s son, Payne Todd, bankrupted her-and the former First Lady moved close to the White House.

Plan your visit >

---