James Madison's Montpelier

Near Orange, Virginia.

We visited Montpelier last week. It's been years since we were there, and sections of the house that were added by the Dupont family in the 20th century have been torn down since then. Also painted stucco that covered the original red bricks has been removed.

The house is still large (23 rooms!) and the grounds are still lovely. This was home to James Madison, our 4th president, and his wife Dolley.

The house tour emphasizes James Madison's role in shaping the U.S. Constitution, but also reveals his struggle with the institution of slavery. He used many enslaved people on his plantation but was active in a plan to send slaves who wanted to leave to the colony of Liberia where they would be free. (Few wanted to take the uncertain journey though.) His wish to avoid separating slave families fell apart after his death because his stepson ran up huge debts that forced his widow Dolley to sell off people. An exhibit in the basement interprets this painful story.

Rear View of Montpelier.