Today in History: James Madison
Today in History–March 16–the Library of Congress features James Madison, born on this day in 1751. (Actually, he was born on March 5 under the Julian calendar but when Great Britain and its colonies switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1752 his birthday, along with everyone else’s, was shifted 11 days forward.) Learn more about the man known as the “Father of the Constitution” by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories and primary sources about the United States fourth president, James Madison.
Stories & articles
- U.S. President James Madison
- James Madison’s Contribution to the Constitution
- The New United States of America Adopted the Bill of Rights
- Madison’s Memorable Wife
- Second War of American Independence
- President James Madison Approved an Act of Congress to Purchase Jefferson’s Library
- James Madison’s 265th Commemorative Birthday In Custodia Legis blog
Select primary sources with curator notes
- Madison’s Treasures
- American Treasures of the Library of Congress
- Madison’s Book of “Logick”
- Laws of Virginia
- The Federalist
- Madison’s Copy of the Proposed “Bill of Rights”
- Jefferson Seeks Madison’s Support
- Creating the Constitution (interactive exhibition)
- James Madison: Philosopher and Practitioner of Liberal Democracy
More primary sources
- The James Madison Papers, 1723-1836
- James Madison first inauguration
- James Madison second inauguration
- James Madison’s first annual message to Congress
- Madison’s observations on the capture of Washington, D.C. by British troops (August 24, 1814)
- Letter from Washington to Madison expressing alarm about the state of the government during the time of Shays’ Rebellion (November 5, 1786)
- Letter from Jefferson to Madison discussing the recent declaration of war against Great Britain (June 29, 1812)
- Letter, James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, partially written in cipher with translation by Jefferson (May 23, 1789)
- James Madison speech introducing proposed amendments to the Constitution (June 8, 1789)
- Sales contract between Thomas Jefferson and James Madison for an indentured servant’s remaining term (April 19, 1809)
- Declaration of War on Great Britain (June 18, 1812)
- James Madison books
- James Madison historical newspaper coverage 1789-1837
- President Madison historical newspaper coverage 1809-1817
- Featured Image: A boxing match, or another bloody nose for John Bull
- Featured Image: Fall of Washington
- James Madison image set
Teaching resources
- The Meaning of the Federalist Papers Citizen U lesson plan
- Timely Connections: James Madison & Slavery
Related resources