James Madison's home - Montpelier

We arrived in Charlottesville, VA on Friday, June 29th. That night there was a storm called a "Derecho" that hit that affected those in VA, D.C. and in Maryland. It was a strong flat line wind. Serveral (my brother in Arlington, VA, James' brother in Poolsville, MD and half of Charlottsville) ended up without power. Luckily for us, G-ma Vernetta's house had power the whole time. The lights flickered on and off several times and scared the littles, but the power remained on. There was wind and lightening, but not much rain.

The next day, we went to see President James Madison's home called Montpelier. The power was out there and they were running on generators, but we were still able to go on a tour of his home.

Outside the Visitor Center...
Montpelier from the Front...
Montpelier from the back...
J with statues of James and Dolly Madison...
Framework of the slaves quarters...
Garden steps...
Spencer on a lion...
Zack on a lion with G-ma, Kate and J in the background...
Sidnie by some flowers...
Marshall Family by the azaleas...

We learned a few things about our 4th President of these United States and his wife. James Madison is known as the Father of the Constitution. Through The Federalist he helped inspire American citizens to support and ratify the Constitution. As a leader in the first Congress, he heled shape the new government, introduced the Bill of Rights, and ensured it's passage. Dolley Madison defined the role of First Lady in the nation's new capital of Washington, D.C., setting political and social precedents that shaped the culture of the early republic. She was a politically astute partner, a charming and gracious hostess, and a flamboyantly fashionable trendsetter. She famously saved the portrait of George Washington from the British in the War of 1812. After Madison's death, she was granted an honorary seat in Congress.