The Overlooked Founding Father?

When you bring up the subject of founding Fathers most Americans are quick to name George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and some will name Adams, but how many would quickly shout out James Madison. James Madison was the fourth US President serving from 1809-1817. What would happen during his two terms and after would lead the country into a new era of time but never allow the light to shine fully on what he accomplished. His predecessors Washington, Adams, and Jefferson would catch a lot of the fame and glory. Without the Madison family America and the Office of the White House may not be what it is today. When looking into the Presidency of Madison the first question you might ask is where to start.

Madison had to carry the country through another War for independence, from Great Britain who was still trying to control the newly founded nation. This war would produce the a poem written by Francis Scott Key which would later become our National Anthem "Star Spangled Banner." Madison would also be faced with having to gather enough men to fill and army from State Governor's unwilling to cooperate with the Federal Government. It would finally be the strong US Navy that helps win the war.

During his Presidency his Wife Dolly Madison would begin to shape the First Lady role into what it is today. She would partially establish this when in 1814 the British Army would march in to DC and set fire to Capitol building and the White House. She would stay behind and make sure that the painting of George Washington and other valuables made it out of the White House safely. She was also instrumental in redecorating the White House with the help of Latrobe. Dolly set the style for the ages when she began wearing empire-waist dresses topped off with her turban. What really started it for the iconic role is when ordinary citizens began writing her asking her to donate to their charity organization or to even ask for the President to pardon a family member.

The Affair of all Affairs would give the Madison's the political team name when Dolly, Jefferson, James, started the Merry Affair when Anthony Merry the British Minister to the US came with his wife to visit Jefferson and later a dinner with the Madison's would be seen as breaking a Treaty.

Should James and Dolly be given more credit and fame than the Presidents and wife's that came before them? James Madison would add two new States to the union, Louisiana and Indiana. During his last year as President the Country he had seen go through two major wars was beginning to climb into a new era. A Steam boat route was started that ran on the Mississippi River that connected New Orleans to Kentucky. And the first American City was lit up like fire works when Baltimore used gas to light up its city lights.

When Dolly and James finally returned home to Montpelier in Virginia. James would be appointed to President of the University of Virginia in 1826. Dolly would also be given an honorary seat in the house of representatives following the death of her Husband James.