James Madison's Montpelier
The lifelong home of James Madison, Father of the Constitution, architect of the Bill of Rights, and U.S. President. James shared his beloved home with his wife, Dolley Madison, whose social and political flair inspired the title "First Lady."
Information
Location:
Orange, VA, 22960
Phone:
540-672-2728
Mon - Sun:
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Photos

2 of 5 albumsSee All

Wall PhotosUpdated about a month ago
Model A Restorer's ClubCreated about 2 months ago
Events

1 upcoming eventSee All

 
James Madison's Montpelier
Source: www.washingtonexaminer.com
Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon and Montpelier are among a group of Virginia destinations offering free admission to former and active-duty service members to honor them on Veterans Day.
Barb Schlichting
Barb Schlichting
What a great idea! Fantastic!
Fri at 2:21pm
James Madison's Montpelier

James Madison's Montpelier Hunt Races, Tailgating, fall walking tours, and special Christmas tours are all a part of the latest Montpelier Blog post. Be the first to read it at: http://montpelier.org/blog/

Source: montpelier.org
The last few weeks at Montpelier have been busy. The staff is gearing up for three very exciting events—The Running of the Montpelier Hunt Races, Freedman’s Farm, and Confederate Winter Camp Site Walking Tour, and the all-new Christmas Candlelight Tour at Montpelier.
Kim Crandall
Kim Crandall
too bad I won't be in town for this!
November 4 at 4:14pm
Gary Holmes

Gary Holmes P.S. My Mom wants to know why First Lady Dolly was often painted wearing such low cut dresses? Just curious.

November 3 at 6:02am · Report
Peggy Vaughn
Peggy Vaughn
Tell your Mom that Dolley is painted wearing low cut dresses because that is what she often wore. She preferred this French empire style, and, like many women, chose to emphasize her positives and downplay her negatives. She also liked to wear turbans with large feathers in them during formal events, and decorated with bright colors—red and yellow. She was well-known as a vibrant, gracious, and social hostess.
November 4 at 6:09am
Gary Holmes
Gary Holmes
Very interesting.
November 4 at 7:31am
Gary Holmes

Gary Holmes Are there pictures on here that show how the renovations are coming? I hear they are tearing down part of the mansion? That seems wasteful. It was recently featured in the TV Show Drive Thur History & it was very interesting. Is it from from I-81?

November 3 at 5:51am · Report
Peggy Vaughn
Peggy Vaughn
In 2008 Montpelier celebrated the completion of a $25 million restoration—returning the mansion to the home that James and Dolley Madison knew and loved. Montpelier is now embarking on the "Presidential Detective Story" to discover the interior furnishings and decor. You can still find the restoration photos on our blog at montpelier.org/blog.
November 4 at 6:12am
Gary Holmes
Gary Holmes
Thanks. I will be sure to look.
November 4 at 7:31am
James Madison's Montpelier

James Madison's Montpelier Montpelier is blazing new trails! Read all about it in the latest blog post: http://montpelier.org/blog/?p=2361

Source: montpelier.org
Progress on Montpelier’s new Demonstration Trail is moving quickly. The trail was cleared over the summer. The staff is anxious to add the final touches to prepare the trail for a spring opening.
James Madison's Montpelier
James Madison's Montpelier
I don't think we have any trail running events planned as yet, but we host an exceptional Big Woods Walk four times a year. Check out http://www.montpelier.org/visit/tours/thematic_quarterly.php to learn more about the walk!
October 30 at 9:25am
James Madison's Montpelier
James Madison's Montpelier
We can't attach any specific events to the trail, however, the land that makes up the trail has been part of the estate since James Madison's grandfather Ambrose was deeded the area that would eventually become Mount Pleasant and later, Montpelier.
November 2 at 11:40pm
Brian Francis Hume

Brian Francis Hume I'm trying to find out why was the plantation given the name Montpelier...thanks!

October 28 at 10:28am · Report
James Madison's Montpelier
James Madison's Montpelier
We aren't entirely sure why the name was chosen, but it's a good bet that it was intended to indicate a pleasant, healthful place with "a salubrious air"--possibly a reference to the town of Montpellier in the south of France. (And the Madisons did spell the name of their plantation with two "L"s.)

Lots more info here:
http://www.montpelier.org/explore/estate/montpelier_etymology.php
October 28 at 5:45pm
James Madison's Montpelier

James Madison's Montpelier The final report from Dwight Young's Archaeology Excursion at Montpelier. Find them all on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Facebook page--they're all excellent!

Editor’s Note: Last week, Senior Communications Associate Dwight Young was on an archaeological dig at Montpelier, a National Trust Historic Site. He sent daily dispatches about the experience, and today shares his final thoughts on his week in the field. Written by Dwight Young Home again. ...
Patricia Reidy Lawrence
Patricia Reidy Lawrence
These digs sound so intriguing. I'd love to have a chance to do it.
October 28 at 10:49am
James Madison's Montpelier
James Madison's Montpelier
And we'd love to have you! Check out the 2010 Archaeology Expedition and Excursion dates here:

http://www.montpelier.org/explore/archaeology/excavation_programs.php
October 28 at 5:47pm
Sharon Cohen Elswick
Sharon Cohen Elswick
My husband did a summer expedition at Montpelier and LOVED it. Ask us any questions about his first-hand experience...
October 29 at 4:52am
James Madison's Montpelier

James Madison's Montpelier A day in the life of Montpelier's archaeology lab.

Editor’s Note: Last week, Senior Communications Associate Dwight Young was on an archaeological dig at Montpelier, a National Trust Historic Site. He sent daily dispatches about the experience, the last of which is below, from his work on Friday. ...
James Madison's Montpelier

James Madison's Montpelier National Geographic Traveler lists the world's "Drives of a Lifetime," ranking the Journey Through Hallowed Ground (with a nice description of Montpelier and a quote from guide Joann Powell) among locations in Hawaii, New Zealand, France, and more.

Source: traveler.nationalgeographic.com
"The parks are nothing less than the Declaration of Independence applied to the landscape," says documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. "It's a reminder of our best selves."
Robert
Robert
I loved going to Montpelier and Monticello on the same trip. I also took a short tour of James Monroe's home near Monticello...it's a great area.
October 23 at 10:04am
Rhonda
Rhonda
I would love to viist Montpelier! it's one of the 2 presidential homes I haven't visited yet in VA....would someone please tell my husband to take me...:-)
October 24 at 5:27am
James Madison's Montpelier
James Madison's Montpelier
Your husband should take you! But if he doesn't, it sounds like you're ready for a girlfriends getaway!
October 29 at 7:53am
James Madison's Montpelier

James Madison's Montpelier Excitement is in the air. It's almost time for the 75th Running of the Montpelier Hunt Races. Visit the latest blog post to learn about race history and some special celebratory features of this year's Races! http://montpelier.org/blog/?p=2347#more-2347

Source: montpelier.org
Fall ushers in a lot of exciting changes at Montpelier. The humidity diminishes, offering a stunning view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the front portico. The change in foliage frames the mansion in a myriad of colors seen only once a year. ...
James Madison's Montpelier
James Madison's Montpelier
Good question! I haven't been able to find any references to Madison hunting foxes, but it was certainly a popular pastime among the Virginia planters of the day. On the other hand, Madison was clearly fascinated by scholarly pursuits and not always in the most robust health. If our research or education departments can shed any light on this, I will let you know! --Elizabeth
October 28 at 6:06pm
Therese
Therese
Wow, wish I could be there! It reminds me of my horsey times in VA years ago!! I could so easily get hooked again...
October 28 at 8:42pm
James Madison's Montpelier

James Madison's Montpelier Join us for a special Mansion Tour and Wine Tasting this Friday and Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Montpelier Research Associate Dr. Beth Taylor and Director of Archaeology Dr. Matthew Reeves will give a special behind-the-scenes look at Dolley Madison's flair for entertaining. A wine tasting featuring wines from Barboursville Vineyards will follow on the mansion portico. Call (540) 672-2728 x 109 for reservations.

October 6 at 12:47pm
Barb Lindquist Schlichting
Barb Lindquist Schlichting
I wish that I could attend.
October 6 at 2:41pm
Sarah Everett
Sarah Everett
I wish I could too. Hooray for Ms. Beth and Mr. Matt!!!!!
October 7 at 12:45pm
James Madison's Montpelier

James Madison's Montpelier The latest Montpelier Blog post is up. Be the first to read it at http://montpelier.org/blog/

Source: montpelier.org
As part of the Presidential Detective Story, Montpelier’s research team examines correspondence and other records from family members who inherited or purchased objects with a Madison provenance. ...
Pat Burk Ogden Thompson

Pat Burk Ogden Thompson Phil and Bee Thomas visited Montpelier on a beautiful October day. Their historic home is 'Greenwood' in Carterville, VA.

Sarah Everett
Sarah Everett
How wonderful!
October 7 at 12:45pm
Brandon Harris
October 9 at 11:39am
Barb Schlichting

Barb Schlichting My First Lady Mystery Novels begins with Dolley, our First of the First Ladies. The next is of Mary Lincoln, then Mrs. Wilson. Dolley is delightful to embellish. Dolley has the original manuscript of the Star Spangled Banner, and my modern protagonist is going to find it. It begins at Montpolier. http://BSchlichting.blogspot.com

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James Madison's Montpelier changed their Hours.