Since we’re in the area we decided to visit our fourth President’s home. We have visited four of the first five president’s homes except for the one closest to us – that of John Quincy Adams. I guess we better make that visit when we get home. James Madison’s leadership brought about the creation of the U.S. Constitution. As a leader in the first Congress, he helped shape the new government, introduced the Bill of Rights, and ensured its passage. As president he guided the nation through its first war, demonstrating that a Constitutional government could survive a national crisis.
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Montpelier was the lifelong home of James Madison. He was raised, carried out his most important research and writings and retired at Montpelier after his presidency. He died at Montpelier surrounded by the books and papers that meant so much to him in life.
Dolly Madison, his wife, was beloved by the people and politicians and defined the role of “First Lady.” She was politically astute, charming and a gracious hostess and a flamboyantly fashionable trend setter. She is famous for saving the portrait of George Washington from the British in the War of 1812 as they burned down the White House. She was granted an honorary seat in Congress after James Madison’s death.
Montpelier was also home to generations of enslaved families. As many as 110 slaves lived and worked on the plantation at any one time.
A bronze statute of James and Dolly Madison. She was 17 years younger and stood 2 inches taller then her husband. They did not have children together. She had lost her first husband and infant son to Yellow Fever. She had one living son that she and James Madison doted over.
The garden area was quite stunning with a variety of flowers and greenery to be appreciated.
Madison’s Temple
Dolly Madison’s son was coddled and very spoiled. He did not become a very productive citizen and had a gambling and alcohol addiction. He was thrown into debtors prison and with the constant financial help from both Dolly and James Madison he was able to get out of prison but never stopped his gambling or drinking.
When James Madison died in 1836 Dolly was forced to sell the home and moved to Washington, DC where she spent the remainder of her years and died in 1849.
The home was sold to William and Annie DuPont. They enlarged the home doubling it in size and preserved the grounds. When they passed, the home was left to their daughter, Marion DuPont Scott. While living in the home Marion bred and raised race horses (her passion) who went on to win many races. Three of her prize horses are buried on the property.
One of the three prize race horses buried on the property all descendants of the most famous race horse Man O War.
When Marion DuPont Scott died,her will stated that the property was to be transferred to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and returned to its original footprint (12,000 sq. feet) before her family enlarged the home.
Before De-Construction
After De-Construction
The will was in litigation for 20 years but was finally transferred, as was her wish, in 2000. Restoration of Montpelier began IN 2003 and the architectural restoration completed in 2008. The destruction and reconstruction to its original historical architectural design cost twenty-four million dollars. Furnishing work then began and is still in progress.
Another stipulation in Marion DuPont Scott’s will was that there would be a place on the land that would honor the DuPont family. The museum is quite elaborate and has a replica of two of the DuPont's’ favorite rooms within the museum and hundreds of pictures of Marion’s prize horses. It was another beautiful day touring the home, the grounds and DuPont Museum.
There were several antique cars in the parking lot so we had to check them out.
These cars brought back memories when Ron had a red and white 1956 Ford Crown Victoria.Unfortunately, I borrowed it on my graduation day and ran it into a telephone pole totaling the car and almost myself. He has never forgiven me for that but married me anyway.
Back at the CG Jewel was patiently waiting for another walk along the lake.
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