Montpelier Chapter

In 1723 Thomas Chew and his brother-in-law, Ambrose Madison, patented 4673 acres of land in what is now Orange County. Ambrose Madison died before a division was made and so the entire tract was vested in Chew, as survivor. Five years later he transferred 2850 acres to Frances Madison for life then to James Madison, her son, for "200 hundred pounds of current Virginia money". After the birth of James Jr., his father acquired land from Chew and others who had bought from Chew. So by 1757James Sr. had acquired all but 46 acres of the original patent.

Ambrose and Frances Madison came to Montpelier in 1729. In 1749 James brought his bride to Montpelier, a simple structure, located near the Madison Family cemetery. James Jr., fourth President of the United States was born March 5, 1751 at Port Conway, his mother's home.

Around 1760 a new home was built some distance north east. It is rectangular, made of brick, with the familiar plan of a central hall and two rooms leading off each side. It was the nucleus of the house which stands today. In 1809 President Madison, had the house enlarged and the Greek Revival full portico added under the direction of William Thornton, architect of the Capitol. Later one story wings were added according to the plans of Benjamine Latrobe, also architect of the Capitol.

In 1824 while General Lafayette and Charles L'Enfant, planner of Washington, were visiting Montpelier, the present garden was planned. It was laid out to simulate the hall of the House of Representatives. Jared Sparks said, "It is rare that one finds so many of the essential means of social happiness as at Montpelier." Leland Pendleton wrote, "I have enjoyed a few happy days at your father's, who I was glad to find enjoying fine health. Tho I was less surprised after experiencing the Salubrious Air of his fine seat, not exceeded by any Montpelier in the Universe - To be at Montpelier is but a hop and a skip into Heaven."