Montpelier and Madison's Tomb
Lifelong home of James Madison

The lifelong home of James Madison, "Father of the Constitution" and fourth President of the United States, was also home to three generations of the Madison family from 1723 to 1844. The mansion core was built by Madison's father c.1760. Today, it is the centerpiece of a 2,700-acre estate containing farmlands, forests, formal gardens, 135 buildings, and a steeplechase course that was added in the 20th century.

Madison was born in 1751. At the time the U.S. Constitution was drafted under his leadership, he was still in his thirties. After a second presidential term, James and Dolley Madison returned to Montpelier in 1817 where they continued to host leading political figures and dignitaries. Upon his death in 1836, Madison was buried on the estate. Dolley Madison later returned to Washington where she died in 1849. Her grave is also in the Madison family cemetery at Montpelier.

Today, Montpelier is owned and exhibited by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In addition to guided tours of the home, there are educational programs, and special tours of other historic structures. The Gilmore Cabin, for example, interprets the life of George Gilmore, a former slave who purchased land from Madison’s descendents.

Following Madison's death, the contents of the house were auctioned off and Montpelier changed hands six times until it was purchased in 1900 by William and Annie Rogers duPont.