Jim's Photo Album - Montpelier, Virginia

Randy and Jim at Montpelier, the beautiful country plantation of the Father of the U.S. Constitution, and our fourth President of the United States, James Madison. It was to this home that Madison brought his new bride, Dolley, who would essentially create the position of First Lady when James was elected to the presidency. After their eight years in the White House — which were interrupted when the British burned down the house during the War of 1812 — it was to this Virginia home that the Madisons returned for their retirement years. The entryway was designed by the Madisons' dearest friend, Thomas Jefferson.

The view from James and Dolley Madison's front door at Montpelier. Once the haze lifted, we saw the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. The green fields are now the site of equestrian events.

Jim at Montpelier, James and Dolley Madison's Virginia home.

Jim (in his Jack Nicholson shades) in front of Montpelier, James and Dolley Madison's home in Orange, Virginia.

James Madison's grandfather first settled this part of Virginia. James father later built the first version of the home called "Montpelier," shown in the accompanying photo's. When James and his bride, Dolley, moved in, James' parents were still living in the house, so James added to the house. However, the Madison family began in a lot less comfort, as shown here. During the tour of the house and property, and in the wonderful visitors' center, a great deal of information is offered about the contributions and lives of the slaves, and the conflicts that James Madison, and his friends, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, felt in trying to balance their view of individual liberty with possession of slaves.

When we first visited Montpelier, decades ago, the family cemetery was in scandalously decrepit condition. The foundation that subsequently took over transformed things back to the state in which they existed during the Madisons' time there. The process is still continuing, but see the photo below to see how it has worked so far.

The grave of James Madison, with that of his beloved wife, Dolley, in the background.

Self-explanatory.

The grave of Dolley Madison, who served as her husband's First Lady, and also as hostess during the administration of their dear friend, Thomas Jefferson.

The gate to the family cemetery.

A wider shot of the Madison Family Cemetery at Montpelier, near Orange, VA.

A very old, beautiful tree contributes to the landscaping at Montpelier

At Montpelier, James and Dolley Madison's beautiful home in Orange, VA. Here Jim and our friend, Jason, Dewey, enjoy the beautiful scenery before we took a house tour.

Jim with our friend, Jason Dewey, in front of Montpelier, James and Dolley Madison's Virginia home. Someone on our tour asked about the unusual choice of color for the front doors. The docent replied, "Let's just say that Dolley had definite tastes in decorating."

The approach to the house at Montpelier. The partly-completed structure at right will be the site of small exhibits upon completion.

Another photo of Montpelier.

A temporary exhibit at Montpelier, beneath a tent near to the Madisons' house, involved several volunteers recreating traditional dishes of the time. Notice the fire in the background.

In the covered hanging pot was a chicken. The larger pot to the left is actually a Dutch oven. One would put hot coals atop the lid and then set the whole thing atop a coal fire, so that the contents are evenly heated from above and below.

The menu for May, 2015 that replicates a typical menu that James and Dolley might have enjoyed.

Another shot of the outdoor cooking site.

Thomas Jefferson designed this part of the entryway to the home of his best friend, James Madison. Behind this entry is a small entry hall, the far wall of which is a replica of this entryway, allowing light to filter into the inner rooms through the identical fan lights.

The front door at Montpelier.

This statue catches the deep love shared by this very close couple.

Mr. Madison is making a point to his wife, Dolley, and to the visiting storyteller...

...and the storyteller returns the favor.

One end of the formal garden at Montpelier, the Virginia home of James and Dolley Madison.

Click here to go to the previous page...

There are 6 pages of pictures of Virginia. This is page 6.

Click here to go to Italy...