James Madison, A Fellow Virginian

James Madison was not in Annapolis for George Washington’s resignation, but he visited the city many times, including in 1790 when he made a notable trip up into the State House dome with Thomas Jefferson. Madison was also a wealthy plantation owner in Virginia and was a friend of both Washington and Jefferson. He became the fourth president of the United States in 1809 and served until 1817, throughout the War of 1812.

Madison is known as the “Father of the United States Constitution” for his role as its principal author. He was also instrumental in authoring the Bill of Rights.