The Montpelier estate of James Madison.
James Madison and Andrew Jackson were the fourth and seventh presidents of the United States. They also have March birthdays just a day apart from each other - Jackson was born on March 15, 1767, and Madison on March 16, 1751. If you're a fan of politics or presidents or even just historic homes, then a nice way to commemorate these birthdays is to visit the homes of these presidents, each of whom made quite an impact on our political culture.
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage
Andrew Jackson was one of the foremost American figures of the 19th century, which is why his face still graces the $20 bill. He was a hero of the War of 1812 and, as a Tennessee lawyer and farmer, was the first president from what was then considered the American frontier. Jackson was a brash and hardscrabble Westerner who was seen as a man of the people when he was elected in 1828.
His Tennessee home, the Hermitage mansion, is located just east of Nashville. The building has been restored to what it looked like in Jackson's post-presidential years. The grounds also include Jackson's tomb and a visitor's center with exhibits and a movie about his life. The Hermitage is hosting March 15 birthday celebrations, as well as a ceremony at the tomb.
James Madison's Montpelier
James Madison was an equally compelling political figure, primarily because he was one of the principal architects of the U.S. Constitution. Along with George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, he was one of the leading figures of the Revolutionary era. Of course, he may be equally well known today for being married to Dolley Madison, who was popular in her own right and who was the first presidential wife to be called First Lady.
Madison's Montpelier estate is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, about half an hour from Charlottesville, Virginia. Visitors can tour the historic home, see the study where Madison conceived his philosophies of government, learn about his life in the educational center, pay tribute at his grave, and relax in the outdoor temple that he designed with a majestic view of the nearby mountains. Montpelier is also organizing special birthday activities on March 16.
Photo credit: RebelAt via GNU Free Documentation License.
Comments