James Madison

James Madison was born on March 16, 1751, at his mother's home in Port Conway, King George County, Virginia.

James Madison, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the fourth President, was born on March 16, 1751.

In 1771, James Madison graduated with high marks from the College of New Jersey, later known as Princeton University. He studied a wide range of subjects and became the college’s first graduate student.

James Madison returned to Montpelier in 1772 after completing his studies at the College of New Jersey.

In April 1774, James Madison visited Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for a certain purpose.

In December 1774, James Madison was appointed to the Orange County, Virginia, Committee of Safety, where he oversaw local militias and carried out necessary functions of government in the event of war for independence.

James Madison was appointed to the Orange County, Virginia, Committee of Safety on April 18, 1775. The committee was responsible for overseeing local militias and carrying out necessary government functions in the event of war for independence. Madison, known for his patriotism, played a significant role in strengthening the county militia.

In April 1776, James Madison was elected to the Virginia Convention, marking a significant step in his political career.

In 1779, James Madison served on the State Executive Council.

From March 1780 to December 1783, the individual served as a delegate in the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, playing a role in the governance and decision-making during this period.

After the ratification of the Articles of Confederation in 1781, James Madison worked to strengthen the Union by asserting implied power in Congress to enforce financial requisitions upon the states by military coercion.

In spring 1783, James Madison meets Catherine 'Kitty' Floyd, the 15-year-old daughter of New York delegate William Floyd, and becomes infatuated with her.

During the summer of 1783, Kitty Floyd calls off the engagement with James Madison.

Between 1784 and 1786, the individual served as the Orange County delegate to the Virginia Assembly in Richmond, contributing to the legislative processes and representation of the county's interests.

In September 1786, the individual served as a delegate to the Annapolis Convention, focusing on discussions and decisions related to interstate trade in Maryland.

From February 1787 to March 1788, the individual served as an elected Virginia delegate to Congress in New York, participating in the legislative and decision-making processes at the national level.

In May to September 1787, James Madison served as a delegate to the Federal Convention in Philadelphia and played a key role in the drafting and signing of the U.S. Constitution.

New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, securing enough votes to become the law of the land.

Despite being opponents in the election, James Madison and James Monroe developed an unusual friendship during the campaign trail, which surprised many including Madison’s enemy, Patrick Henry.

James Madison initially opposed the idea of a Bill of Rights, fearing that it might imply that unenumerated rights were not protected. However, he eventually compiled a list of 19 proposals, which were reworked into 12 amendments by a Congressional committee. 10 of these amendments were ratified by the states and added to the Constitution as a separate Bill of Rights.

In 1793, James Madison was elected to the U.S. Senate, which significantly contributed to his political influence and career.

James Madison married Dolley Payne Todd at 'Harewood,' Charles Town, West Virginia.

James Madison returned to Montpelier.

A letter addressed to James Madison on April 27, 1797.

James Madison drafted the Virginia Resolutions in December 1798.

James Madison was elected to and served in the Virginia Assembly in 1799.

James Madison aligned with Thomas Jefferson to form the Democratic-Republican Party, which was characterized by its pro-French and anti-British sentiments.

James Madison was appointed as the Secretary of State on March 5, 1801.

James Madison entered duty as the Secretary of State on May 2, 1801.

Madison assisted in engineering the Louisiana Purchase during Jefferson’s administration. This was a major land acquisition that doubled the size of the United States, significantly impacting the nation's territorial expansion.

In December 1804, negotiations were initiated in Spain to purchase Florida, a significant event in the expansion of the United States.

As President Jefferson's Secretary of State, James Madison protested to warring France and Britain about their seizure of American ships, arguing that it was against international law.

In 1806, An Examination of the British Doctrine, Which Subjects to Capture a Neutral Trade, Not Open in Time of Peace was published. It focused on the British doctrine that allowed the capture of neutral trade during peacetime.

A letter written to James Madison on May 3, 1807.

The seventh State of the Union message is delivered.

On March 4, 1808, James Madison was inaugurated as the President of the United States, marking the beginning of his presidency.

James Madison was inaugurated as the fourth President of the United States in 1809, taking office during a crucial period in American history.

The 1808 presidential election was held, and James Madison was elected as the fourth President of the United States.

James Madison's appointment as the Secretary of State ended on March 3, 1809.

James Madison was inaugurated as the 4th President of the United States on March 4, 1809.

Madison issues a proclamation revoking the embargo on Britain, based on negotiations with British minister Erskine. However, the agreement is later canceled by British foreign secretary Canning, leading Madison to rescind the proclamation and resume a policy of nonintercourse.

Madison rescinds his proclamation establishing trade with Britain and resumes a policy of nonintercourse.

President delivers his first annual message to Congress, addressing various important matters of the nation.

Madison calls for the renewal of an act that allows the President to mobilize 100,000 militiamen, strengthen the regular army, establish a force of 20,000 volunteers, and reactivate idle components of the naval fleet in response to tensions with Spain over West Florida.

The landmark Supreme Court case Fletcher v. Peck is a significant decision that established the principle that state laws conflicting with the Constitution are invalid. It arose from a controversial land transaction in Georgia and had far-reaching implications for constitutional law.

Macon's Bill Number 2 was a piece of legislation passed in 1810. It aimed to lift the embargo on Britain and France, but it also included a provision that stated if either country repealed its trade restrictions, the United States would reinstate nonintercourse against the other.

James Madison was inaugurated as President of the United States, and his presidency would be associated with the War of 1812, often referred to as 'Mr. Madison's War.'

Madison issues a proclamation allowing the occupation of West Florida, which was also claimed by Spain, as part of the Louisiana Purchase.

Federalists opposed Madison's Republican Party's occupation as unconstitutional, but Congress voted in January to approve Madison's action, raising hopes for the annexation of East Florida, which eventually occurred in 1819 with the Adams-Onís Treaty.

Madison vetoed two bills passed by Congress, one granting land to a Baptist congregation in the Mississippi Territory and the other incorporating an Episcopal church in Washington, D.C. He argued that both bills violated the non-establishment clause of the First Amendment.

Madison exercises his presidential veto power.

Madison reestablished nonintercourse with Britain in response to the French seizure of American ships. This event marked a significant diplomatic and economic decision during Madison's presidency.

The Bank of the United States was established by Congress, signifying a crucial financial and regulatory development during Madison's presidency.

The British foreign secretary announces the end of the Orders in Council. This announcement comes after Madison requested a declaration of war against Britain on June 1.

Former secretary of state Robert Smith publishes an Address to the People of the United States, criticizing Madison's administration and revealing the disagreements within the cabinet.

British Foreign Minister Foster arrives in Washington and warns President Madison about potential retaliation against American commerce if the United States continues its nonintercourse policy.

President Madison calls for a special session of Congress to prepare for a potential war against Britain, which reflects the escalating tensions between the two nations.

President Madison delivers a tentative war message to Congress, signaling a significant shift in the country's policy towards Britain.

General William Henry Harrison carries out a pre-emptive strike on Shawnee leader Tecumseh, resulting in a barely successful engagement that serves as a prelude to the War of 1812. Tecumseh flees to Canada and British protection.

Madison proclaims the Battle of Tippecanoe a victory that will restore peace to the northwestern frontier.

Congress passes a bill to enlarge the second regular army to 25,000, exceeding Madison's request for a force of 10,000. However, the bill provides less flexibility than Madison had requested, leading to disagreements between Madison's administration and Congress.

British minister Foster tells Madison's administration that the Orders in Council will be continued.

President vetoes a bill that aimed to fill judicial vacancies with Supreme Court justices, citing the principle of separation of powers.

President signs a bill admitting the State of Louisiana to the Union, with the effective date set for 04/30/1812.

President James Madison is renominated by the Democratic-Republican caucus in Congress.

Amidst intense competition within the Democratic-Republican party, James Madison is nominated for a second term as President.

Madison asked Congress to declare war due to British impressment of American seamen and seizure of cargoes, despite the nation not being fully prepared for the conflict.

On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain, leading to the War of 1812.

President James Madison declares war against Britain due to concerns over British actions related to international trade, support of Indian attacks, and the endorsement of territorial expansion into British Canada and Spanish Florida. The United States faces economic and military challenges at the beginning of the war.

Madison wins reelection, securing 128 electoral votes to Federalist DeWitt Clinton's 89, indicating a divide within the nation.

President vetoes a bill related to the naturalization of immigrants due to concerns about potential abuse. The veto was a pocket veto, and it was accompanied by a message.

Despite internal conflict within the Democratic-Republican Party, James Madison is comfortably reelected by the electoral college.

James Madison delivers his second inaugural address.

James Madison sends a special session message discussing war developments and peace negotiations that occurred on 04/21/1813.

The United States under General Harrison achieves a significant victory at the Battle of the Thames, marking the end of British and Indian control in Northwest and Upper Canada. The battle also results in the death of Tecumseh.

President Madison proposes and Congress passes a total embargo on exports and a ban on all imports of British origin, aiming to disrupt Britain's trade dependence on the United States.

James Jackson of Virginia introduces a constitutional amendment in the House to establish a national bank, but Congress delays consideration of the proposal.

President Madison appoints commissioners including Henry Clay, Albert Gallatin, James Bayard, Jonathan Russell, and John Quincy Adams to negotiate directly with Britain in Gothenburg, Sweden, with later negotiations being transferred to Ghent, Belgium.

George Washington Campbell of Tennessee replaces Albert Gallatin as Secretary of the Treasury.

President James Madison called for the immediate repeal of the trade embargo with neutral nations following the collapse of Napoleon’s European empire.

President James Madison signed a series of bills to strengthen the military, including activating regiments previously authorized, raising and funding three regiments of riflemen, and receiving volunteer soldiers entitled to the same pay as regular soldiers.

James Madison convenes his cabinet to establish a special military district for the protection of Washington and Baltimore, placing it under the command of Brigadier General William Winder.

In retaliation for the American burning of York, the British entered Washington, D.C. and set fire to the White House, Capitol Building, the Treasury, and other government buildings.

The House of Representatives passes an amended bank bill as a compromise between Federalists and anti-bank Republicans. However, the bill is vetoed by President Madison on January 30, as it is unsatisfactory to him and Secretary of the Treasury Dallas.

President Madison signs a bill permitting the President to mobilize 40,000 state troops. However, Congress restricts the bill by allowing troops to serve only in their home states with the approval of state governors.

After Madison secured a declaration of war on Algiers, Captain Stephen Decatur led a flotilla from New York against the Mediterranean pirates, who had been attacking American ships during the War of 1812. Algiers surrendered on June 30.

In the seventh annual message to Congress, James Madison finalized the war with Algiers and requested domestic and financial improvements, including a national currency, a larger militia, tariffs, and a university.

On December 21, 1815, the Senate advised and consented to the ratification of the treaty of June 30, 1815, during James Madison's presidency.

President Madison delivers his seventh annual message to Congress, proposing military streamlining, establishment of a new national bank, implementation of protective tariffs to boost industry, and investment in internal improvements.

President Madison vetoed Henry Clay's 'Bonus Bill,' which aimed at funding internal improvements, reflecting his stance on the role of the federal government in such projects.

On March 4, 1817, James Madison's presidency came to an end, and he was succeeded by James Monroe, his Secretary of State.

In 1819, James Madison was selected as a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, contributing to the governance and development of the prestigious institution.

James Madison, the fourth President of the United States and the Father of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, passed away peacefully over breakfast on June 28, 1836. He was buried in the family cemetery at Montpelier.

The Index to the James Madison Papers was published in Washington, D.C. in 1965. It serves as a resource guide for accessing the papers of James Madison, providing valuable insights into the American Founding Era.

Virginia Governor, Terry McAuliffe, proclaimed March 16, 2017, as James Madison Appreciation Day, recognizing the contributions of James Madison to the United States.