James Madison University - Bluestone Schoolmaam Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

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-m. Entering the foyer, numerous historical Items are on display informing guests of the 1800 ' s lifestyle. A replica of the statue seated in the library of Congress displayed Madison ' s achievements and excellence. Photo by Melissa Bates Standing tall.theTemple exemplifies Madison ' s passion for architecture and beauty The Temple was the only structure designed and built soley by James Madison. Photo by Melissa Bates Ornate chandeliers and intricate ceiling carvings can still be admired through out the house. Much of the original furniture was also on display to show the style and tastes of the Madisons. P ioroby Melissa Bates 27 O Z i

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This place was . It took me back to the era of the founding fathers and I got the that the Madison ' s could at that moment open the doors of Montpelier - Peter Swerdzewski 26 by Blake Melissa Hidden amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains of Orange County, acres of green grass and trees are overlooked by The Portico, the former home of our school ' s namesake James Madison. Italian for frames of vista, The Portico was built in 1760 and remained in the Madison ' s possession for three generations. Known as the father of the Constitution and the fourth President of the United States, one wonders who the man was behind such honors and about his life on such the expansive estate known as Montpelier. The property itself, referred to as a squirrel ' s jump from heaven, by Madison himself, is rivaled in stature only by the homes of some of Madison ' s contemporaries such as George Washington ' s Mount Vernon, or Thomas Jefferson ' s Monticello. The much-admired Portico faced west towards the American frontier, symbolizing where Madison believed our countr) ' ' s future to lie. With the entrance to the grounds protected behind the James Madison Landmark Forest, the main pathway wound through the old tracks of the steeplechase and fox races. Spanning over 2,700 acres, visitors climbed the steeplechase tower to enjoy a majestic glance at Montpelier ' s vast estate under the watchful eye of Madison ' s esteemed mansion. One cannot fully experience the estate without a visit to the Temple, the signamre addition to Montpelier. The Temple, a gazebo with classical white columns topped by an elegant unadorned dome, was a place of reflection for Madison himself The Temple ' s plaque iterates the quotation: What spectacle can be more edifying or more seasonable than that of Libert) ' and Learning, each leaning on the other for their mutual and surest support! said by James Madison. Not only the symbol of the estate, the Temple also functioned as an icehouse and was the only building designed and built solely by Madison. Climbing the steps berween the white pillars of The Portico inspired curiosir - of what lied within the lesser-known forefathers ' home. Suitably, visitors were welcomed into the foyer by Madison himself m the form of a bronze statue; a replica of the one found m the Librar) ' of Congress. Unlike Mount Vernon and Monticello, Montpelier was set up more as a museum-like tribute to the life of Madison. The foyer w;is covered with artifacts and items on displa ' such as Madison ' s journal, historical documents, various writing samples and his diploma from Princeton University. Still adorned with Louis I6th French furniture and ornate lighting frxtures, the living and dining rooms accuratelv showed how the house used to be decorated. These items that were display, along with a pro ' ided audio tour, told the story of James and Dolley Madison. The many distinguished visitors to his home such as Marquis de LaFayette and President James Monroe, often referred to Madison as the Sage of Montpelier. His house strongly reflected his education of history and government through his library of over 4,000 books and collection of various artifacts. After being marred by the War of 1812 and misunderstood by the public duruig his presidency, Madison was still revered by colleagues. Spoken by John Q. Adams at Madison ' s eulogy were the words: [Listen to] the still small voice that spoke the words of peace - of harmony - of union. And for that voice, fix your eves upon the memory, and listen with your ears to the life of James Madison. Montpelier ' s atmosphere was more than a reflection of Madison. The woman who contributed to his memon ' most, was his wife Dollev, who heavily influenced his activities and personified his ideals. Hospitalir ' was the (continued o}i p. 29)

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The site where James Madison is laid to rest serves as a memorial of rememberance for his accomplishments and ideals. Madison died at the age of 75 in 1836. Photo byJacquie Payne Watching over the gardens at Montpelier are two stone lions. An addition made by the DuPonts, the lions showed their age by the washed patterns along their faces and paws. Photo by Melissa Bates