Take a Photo Tour of James Madison's Montpelier
Montpelier was the lifelong home of James Madison, Father of the Constitution, fourth President of the United States, and primary architect of the Bill of Rights. But this 2,600-acre property in the Virginia Piedmont is more than the home of a founding father. From its work with the descendants of Montpelier's enslaved community, to its heritage walking trails, to its extensive archaeology research project, this Historic Site has gone above and beyond the typical role of a traditional house museum. Learn more about the work of the Montpelier Foundation through the photos below.
photo by: Montpelier Foundation
Montpelier, home of James Madison, fourth president of the United States, Father of the Constitution, and Architect of the Bill of Rights. Between 2003-2008, the Home underwent a complete restoration to return it to the Madisons' retirement era of the 1820s.
photo by: Proun Design
"Person or Property," part of "The Mere Distinction of Colour" exhibition, demonstrates the humanity of the enslaved individuals at Montpelier, bringing to light their identities as more than property.
photo by: Proun Design
A piece of a slave shackle found during a metal detecting survey at Montpelier. It is displayed in "The Mere Distinction of Colour" exhibition.
photo by: Eduardo Montes Bradley
Montpelier is unique as a presidential site of the Founding Era, engaging its Descendants' Community to help guide and shape its interpretation of slavery. Here, descendants Lillie Pitchford Green and Leontyne Peck discover an oyster shell during an archaeological dig.
photo by: Aaron Watson
The Home was restored to the 1820s retirement era of the Madisons; the South Yard slave dwellings and work buildings are being reconstructed.
photo by: Jenn Glass
Far left: A glimpse of Mr. Madison's Temple. Center: The Home, restored to the 1820s retirement era of James and Dolley Madison. Far right: The South Yard slave dwellings and work buildings.
photo by: Garrett Ross
A view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from James Madison's upstairs library, where he spent months studying ancient and modern republics in preparation for the 1787 Philadelphia Convention.
photo by: Ethan Hickerson
Montpelier's eight-plus miles of well-marked walking trails are one of the Virginia Piedmont's best-kept secrets. Winding through horse pastures, wildflower meadows, and forests—including the 200-acre old-growth Landmark Forest—the trails offer spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and intimate encounters with native plants and wildlife.
photo by: Mary Furlong Minkoff
Montpelier offers a number of seasonal walking tours, including the interpreter-led "We the People" trail walk on the 3.55-mile Montpelier Loop Trail. Montpelier's walking trails are free and open to the public.
African-American History: Telling the Story of Slavery at Montpelier
When we visit the historic places that once belonged to some of history's most renowned leaders, we might not expect to learn much about the enslaved communities who lived there. But more and more, historic sites are bringing enslaved people into focus.
