Montpelier

Located in central Virginia about 28 miles north of Charlottesville, Montpelier is the home of James Madison, who was America’s fourth president and is also considered to be the father of the Constitution. On 2,700 acres of land, this house is enormous, and there are tours given daily which accurately and entertainingly walk the visitors through the various stages of James Madison’s illustrious life.

A brief update on the history of James Madison is in order: at 26 years of age, he made sure that freedom of religion was written into our constitution, his efforts at the Constitution Convention earned him the nickname “Father of the Constitution”, he was Secretary of State under his good friend Thomas Jefferson, and he succeeded Jefferson and became the fourth President of America. He and his wife, Dolley, were forced to flee the White House when the British troops were advancing on it during the War of 1812. Famously, Dolley was able to smuggle out and save a large portrait of George Washington and several important state papers, all of which are now featured in the current White House. Without the guidance of James Madison, it is impossible to say how America would be today.

This house has enormous white columns in the front and was built by James Madison’s father in 1760. It was expanded in 1797 by James, so that his new wife, the famous Dolley Payne Todd, and her son could live more comfortably in the home. In 1810, James added the last of his additions to Montpelier; when he died, the DuPont family took over the estate and established an equestrian tradition there that still lingers to this day.

Upon entering Montpelier, there is a 15 minute video that gives you a brief orientation on the life and times of James Madison. In the house, viewers can see two of the rooms as James Madison kept them, and an additional three rooms as the DuPont’s kept them. More rooms will be open as time goes on, for the restoration process is a long and tedious one. However, you can go into three rooms that are still unrestored for a behind-the-scenes look at James Madison’s other rooms.

You can tour the grounds alone or with a guide, and amongst the spacious grounds are graveyards, 200 acre Landmark Forest, and the Horse racetrack where the Montpelier Hunt Races are held every year in November. There are archeological digs taking place, hands on exhibits, Civil War encampment sites, a freedman’s cabin and farm, the Grills Gallery (where you can see such artifacts as James Madison’s spyglass) , and the Visitor Center. Throughout the year, many seasonal celebrations and fairs take place on the Montpelier grounds. No matter what time of year you travel to Montpelier, there is much to see and do.

For further information about the area surrounding Montpelier, visit our “Places to Eat”, “Places to Stay”, and “Things to Do” options on our homepage.



Virginia Tourists Guide - Montpelier - Charlottesville, Virginia