James Monroe: The Last Founding Father

James Monroe served as the fifth president of the United States from March 4, 1817, to March 4, 1825. He is recognized as the last president who was also a Founding Father and the final president of the Virginia dynasty.

Monroe was born on April 28, 1758, in Monroe Hall, Virginia, into an affluent family that owned slaves. His parents, Spence and Elizabeth Monroe, provided him with an early education at Campbelltown Academy in Westmoreland County, Virginia.

Following the death of both parents within a two-year period, Monroe was supported by Joseph Jones. Jones acted as a paternal surrogate and encouraged Monroe to attend the College of William & Mary. However, Monroe eventually left the college to enlist in the Third Virginia Infantry Regiment of the Continental Army.

Military Service and Early Political Career

During the American Revolution, Monroe fought as a soldier and sustained a wound at the Battle of Trenton. This military experience served as the foundation for a career that spanned legislative, administrative, and diplomatic roles.

Monroe entered political service as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates in 1782, and again from 1786 to 1787 and 1810 to 1811. He also served as a delegate from Virginia to the Congress of the Confederation from November 3, 1783, to November 7, 1786.

His ascent in national politics continued when he was elected as a United States Senator from Virginia, serving from November 9, 1790, to May 27, 1794. Monroe held the office of Governor of Virginia during two separate terms: from December 28, 1799, to December 1, 1802, and briefly from January 16, 1811, to April 2, 1811.

Diplomatic and Cabinet Roles

Monroe held several high-level diplomatic posts in Europe under different presidential administrations. He served as the fifth United States Minister to France from August 15, 1794, to December 9, 1796, during the presidency of George Washington.

Under President Thomas Jefferson, Monroe was appointed as the fourth United States Minister to the United Kingdom, a position he held from August 17, 1803, to October 7, 1807.

During the administration of James Madison, Monroe took on critical cabinet roles. He served as the seventh United States Secretary of State from April 6, 1811, to March 4, 1817. He also briefly served as the eighth United States Secretary of War from September 27, 1814, to March 2, 1815.

Presidency and Personal Life

Monroe’s presidency began on March 4, 1817, with Daniel D. Tompkins serving as his Vice President. He succeeded James Madison and was succeeded by John Quincy Adams on March 4, 1825.

Outside of his public service, Monroe studied law with Thomas Jefferson. This relationship led Monroe to purchase land in Albemarle County adjacent to Jefferson’s Monticello, which he named Highland.

Monroe married Elizabeth Kortright in 1786, and the couple had three children. Throughout his life, Monroe owned several properties and over 200 enslaved people. These individuals provided the labor necessary to maintain his household and guests, and some accompanied the Monroe family to Washington and the White House.

The White House Historical Association describes Monroe as having been one of the most qualified individuals to ascend to the presidency during the nineteenth century due to his combined experience in military, political, and diplomatic affairs.

James Monroe died on July 4, 1831, in New York City at the age of 73.