James Madison's "Montpelier"

Do you think of your home as simply a place, an address where you live? Or is it a place of respite, the nest you long for when you're away and then quite simply don't want to leave when you're there? After visiting Thomas Jefferson's Monticello a few weeks ago and James Madison's Montpelier last weekend, I am convinced these Founding Fathers' homes were not just mansions with an address but were a part of the men themselves, a cherished place that they loved.

Located in Orange County, Virginia, Montpelier is the home where James Madison grew up and then later inherited. He brought his bride, Dolly Payne Todd Madison, and her son and younger sister (she was a widow) to live there in 1794. Madison's parents also lived out their lives in separate but attached quarters. It was a very full house and a much-loved home!

James Madison, nick-named "the Father of the Constitution" by his peers, was a very intelligent man. Like his friend, Thomas Jefferson, Madison was constantly reading, learning and sharing his knowledge. And like Monticello, Montpelier also had an extensive library with books in several languages. 

Perhaps influenced by his friend, Jefferson, Madison also was intrigued with domes and had this structure, referred to as "Mr. Madison's Temple," erected over his underground ice house. It provided a cool place for Madison to read or meditate on hot summer days as he kept an eye on his beloved Montpelier.

In addition to the inner and outer slave quarters, kitchens, livery stables and tool shop, Montpelier also had extensive garden areas. Madison kept records of the weather and seasonal changes, often recommending planting suggestions to his gardeners- but he, himself, never did much planting or gardening.

Even at the end of winter, the gardens are meticulously shaped and with just a hint of imagination, we could see the color popping out all over the beds. What a sight it must be in the summer!

The mistress of Montpelier, Dolley Madison, is one of my favorite "Founding Mothers." Although her husband was the fourth President of the United States, she was the first First Lady to consciously and enthusiastically mold the highly public role of the wife of the President becoming the standard by which all later First Ladies were judged. She was the first to associate herself with a specific public project- establishing a Washington, D.C. home for young orphaned girls. Being intelligent and knowledgable about politics and people, she advised, encouraged and championed her husband. Dolley helped shape the tone of the White House as well with furnishings, parties and even dress that were classic, not courtly. And it was about her that the term "First Lady" was first used when then-president Zachary Taylor said, as he gave her eulogy, "the first lady of the land for over half a century." Her legacy was not only inspiring the term, but defining the role of First Lady for all subsequent wives of the President of the United States. 

James and Dolley Madison cherished Montpelier and their time there. As we toured the estate, I could imagine them welcoming a visitor in the hallway or walking the grounds hand-in-hand content to just be at home. Our house is not a mansion and doesn't have a name but I realized that I, too, am ready to "just be at home" (in Arizona), that place that I cherish and that gives me peace and contentment. And maybe we should give it a name... suggestions, anyone?