I thought today was the “Story of Best Friend Presidents” because at both Monticello and Montpelier they talked of the life-long friendship between Jefferson and Madison. Then I visited a place called Ash Lawn-Highland and learned it was yet another Presidential residence in the Charlottesville area. Sakes alive, three Presidents within just miles of one another! The Commonwealth of Virginia ROCKed when this nation was young!
I knew little about what to expect at Montpelier since I didn’t remember much about President Madison. Turns out he practically wrote the Constitution and though a quiet man he was incredibly influential in the early days of the U.S. Furthermore, his wife Dolley Madison was also experienced at protocol within Washington having acted as Jefferson’s First Lady, known by everyone in politics, and a major force for her husband. Seems this is a Presidency I’ve overlooked! Their tombstones occupy a small family plot on the plantation.
Jefferson we all know. Rather than tackle his life of achievement I’ll just share with you what he wanted to be remembered for. These three things were inscribed on his tomb: Author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and Father of the University of Virginia. As my daughter attends the latter, I feel a legitimate though very distant connection to this great man.
For the Monroe Doctrine I remember the resident of Ash Lawn but I didn’t know that President Monroe served the public for 43 years! He held many senior positions from Ambassador (several times) to Secretary of State to Vice President (twice) to President for eight years. The man was another of those amazing Founding Fathers which this country was so fortunate to have at its inception. He’s yet another Virginian worth remembering!
Oddly, two of these founding fathers men died on July 4; all died penniless.
BTW, why did I title this post “Another Three Presidents Day”?
Click here to be reminded.
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