JAMES MADISON
1809 - 1817
Arizona Timeline
1810 – Mexican Revolution begins. An eleven year fight for Mexico's independence from Spain.
Mining, ranching and missions prosper and Spanish troops continue the long battle with the Apache.
James Madison was born in
Virginia in 1751. He graduated
from Princeton and was active in
Virginia politics and in the
Continental Congress. He was an
influential member of the
Constitutional Convention.
Along with Alexander Hamilton
and John Jay, he wrote the
Federalist Papers. President
Jefferson appointed James
Madison as his Secretary of State
in 1801.
Dolley Payne Madison, born in
1768, is one of the best known
and best loved of the First Ladies.
She grew up in Philadelphia in the
strict discipline of the Society of
Friends. She was a young widow
with one son in 1794, when she
married James Madison, who was
17 years older than she. Theirs
was a happy marriage, though
they had no children.
In 1809 President James Madison succeeded Jefferson as president. Madison was re- elected in 1812. Tensions with Britain culminated in the war of
1812 for which Madison and the nation were not united or prepared. In 1814, the British captured Washington, forcing Madison to flee to Virginia.
During the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Francis Scott Key was inspired to write a poem that would eventually supply the lyrics to " The
Star Spangled Banner". Although no territories were gained or lost during the war of 1812, nationalism soared and there was a newfound sense of unity
after the victories by the U. S. Navy and at the Battle of New Orleans. On leaving the White house, Madison retired to Virginia where he died in 1836.
After marrying James Madison, Dolley put aside her somber Quaker dress and chose the newest fashions while in the White House. She was famous for
her social graces and political acumen. When forced to flee the White House in 1814, she saved the portrait of George Washington from the British.
After Madison's death in Virginia, she returned to Washington, where she died in 1849.
