A Great American

Born: April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Virginia.

Education: Educated at the College of William and Mary but left to fight in the Revolutionary Army and was wounded in action.

Occupation: Lawyer, diplomat, and public official. Fought in the American Revolution 1775-78.

Religion: Episcopalian

Family Life: Married Elizabeth Kortright in February 1786, when the bride was not yet 18. They had two daughters, Eliza and Maria, and one son who died in childhood. In retirement at Oak Hill, Elizabeth Monroe, an accomplished hostess who did the honors throughout both her husband's terms in the White House, died on September 23, 1830.

Political Career: Served in the Virginia Legislature during the Revolution in the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention; a member of Congress, 1783-86; served in the United States Senate 1790-94; twice Governor of Virginia; Madison's Secretary of State, 1811-17. Served two terms as president, a peaceful period known as the "Era of Good Feeling."

Highlights of His Presidency: Missouri Compromise raised question of slavery and began policy of admitting states as "Slave States," or "Free States." Purchased Florida and Spanish claims to the Pacific Northwest from Spain. Announced the "Monroe Doctrine" (1823) as a fundamental foreign policy position that guides our statesmen to this day.

Appearance: Tall (6'), rugged, and athletic.

Died: July 4, 1831, of old age at New York, New York, age 73.

Buried: He is buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.

Famous Words: In his message to Congress on December 2, 1823, Monroe declared that the Americans were not open to exploitation by outside powers. This was called the Monroe Doctrine, which has become a basic tenet of United States foreign policy.

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