The Life of James Madison

James Madison was born in Port Conway, King George County, Virginia at the family home of his mother's parents.

James Madison graduates from the College at New Jersey (later to become Princeton University). He finishes his Bachelor of Arts early in two years.

James Madison is elected as the Virginia Representative to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

James Madison is sent as a delegate from Virginia to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Madison later becomes known as the "Father of the Constitution".

James Madison is elected to the 1st U.S. Congress where he authors the first ten amendments to the Constitution, later referred to as the "Bill of Rights".

James Madison marries Dolley Payne Todd. James marries for the first time at the age of 43, while this is Dolley Todd's second marriage. Her first husband died of Yellow Fever.

James Madison is appointed United States Secretary of State by President Thomas Jefferson

James Madison becomes the 4th President of the United States. He serves for two terms.

James Madison retires to his home at Montpelier, Orange County, Virginia at the age of 66.

James Madison dies at the age of 85 at his home - Montpelier