James Madison's Montpelier
The Scenic Landscape
Montpelier is in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Credit: Kenneth M. Wyner/The Montpelier Foundation Learn More
Mr. Madison's Temple
Built as a place of reflection, The Temple also stored the Montpelier ice house below its floor. Credit: Kenneth M. Wyner/The Montpelier Foundation Learn More
Montpelier, a National Trust Historic Site
Montpelier was the lifelong home of James Madison, fourth President of the United States. Credit: Kenneth M. Wyner/The Montpelier Foundation Learn More
"Notwithstanding a thousand faults and blunders,
[Madison's] administration has acquired more glory, and established more union,
than all his three Predecessors, Washington, Adams, and Jefferson, put together."
John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 1817
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Montpelier was the lifelong home of James Madison, Father of the Constitution, fourth President of the United States, and genius of the American Republic. Madison's early life in Virginia nurtured his commitment to religious freedom and his patriotic vision for a democratic nation. Montpelier also became home to Dolley Madison, whose graciousness and hospitality inspired the term "First Lady".
James Madison's Montpelier is owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and operated by the Montpelier Foundation, Inc.
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Montpelier's Blog
A Birthday Discovery for Dolley
In the early nineteenth century, many fashionable men and women including Napoleon Bonaparte, Henry Clay, Queen Charlotte of England (wife of George III), and Dolley Madison dipped snuff. The nicotine stimulant made from ground tobacco leaves was typically stored in a small highly decorated box made of silver, tortoise shell, or other decorative material. Margaret [...]
Montpelier Has Your Weekend Plans Covered
Looking for something to do this weekend? Montpelier has your ticket for family fun! Civil War Living History May 18-May 20 (Friday through Sunday) Join re-enactors for a living history this weekend at the Montpelier Civil War Camp. Re-enactors from the Third Regiment of the Army of Northern Virginia will bring to life the camp that General [...]
The We the People Journey
The Center for the Constitution at James Madison’s Montpelier runs both the District of Columbia and Virginia We the People programs. Both the DC and Virginia teams competed at the recent 2012 We the People National Finals, which tests students on their knowledge of the Constitution. Our congratulations go to the Cesar Chavez Public Charter [...]
