- James Madison was the fourth president of the US and one of the primary thinkers behind the US Constitution.
- In his personal life, Madison was extremely introverted and a voracious reader.
- Here’s a look at his daily routine, which involved reading, writing, and occasionally racing his wife Dolley around the porch of Montpelier.
James Madison accomplished a lot.
Over the course of his long political career, he served as a member of the Continental Congress, US representative, and Secretary of State in the administration of his close friend Thomas Jefferson.
He was also elected president in 1808.
Madison’s legacy as commander in chief was decidedly mixed. He’s considered one of the worst presidents of all time when it comes to his foreign policy. Also, there’s the small fact that the British swooped in and burned DC during his tenure.
But primarily, he is remembered as the "Father of the Constitution," thanks to his crucial contributions to the supreme law of the US.
Here's a look at the Founding Father's daily routine:
Madison would rise early. When he wasn't traveling or living in DC, his primary residence was Montpelier, a plantation house in Orange, Virginia. Paul Jennings, Madison's enslaved valet, would help him dress every morning.
Source: "James Madison: A Biography"
At the age of 15, Jennings helped save Gilbert Stuart's famous portrait of George Washington before the British burned the White House. Later in life, Jennings was purchased and freed by Daniel Webster. He also published an autobiography detailing his experiences as a slave.
Source: "A Colored Man's Reminiscences of James Madison"
Madison enslaved over 100 men, women, and children during his lifetime. Upon his death, he did not emancipate his slaves in his will.
Source: Montpelier, Hauenstein Center
Breakfast would commence around 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. at Montpelier — although Madison would eat as early as 7 a.m. in DC. The Madisons frequently entertained visitors. According to one guest, writer and US Navy Secretary James Kirke Paulding, the family ate breakfast out on Montpelier's portico.
Source: "James Madison: A Biography," "James Madison: A Life Reconsidered," "James Madison: The Founding Father"
Afterwards, Madison would ride around the plantation on his "pampered horse Liberty," according to Ralph Louis Ketcham's biography.
Source: "James Madison: A Biography"
On rainy days, he would forego the ride and exercise by racing his wife Dolley across the porch.
Source: "James Madison: A Biography"
Madison met his wife through another Founding Father. While a student at Princeton University — then called the College of New Jersey — Madison had befriended Aaron Burr, who later became US Vice President and killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Burr introduced the couple in 1794. They were married within a few months.
Source: "James Madison: A Biography," "James Madison: A Life Reconsidered," "James Madison: The Founding Father"
In contrast to his famously sociable wife, Madison was quite reserved. As a young man, he once lost his only hat while traveling. Unwilling to be seen without a hat, Madison hid indoors for two days, according to former Second Lady Lynne Cheney's biography.
Source: "James Madison: A Life Reconsidered"
Throughout his life, Madison kept up an intensive correspondence. Today, the Library of Congress holds a collection of 12,000 of his papers.
Source: Library of Congress
Madison was always a voracious reader. "He went on to collect some 4,000 books, along with stacks of pamphlets," reports the Daily Beast.
Source: The Daily Beast
He also quite enjoyed his whiskey, drinking a pint a day. In those days, that was considered quite moderate.
Source: TIME
It's unclear if Madison himself had a favorite food. Food Timeline, a food history website, explains that, while the Founding Father's culinary preferences are not necessarily clear, most of the couple's feasts would feature a mix of "Virginian fare and French cuisine."
Source: "James Madison: A Biography," "James Madison: A Life Reconsidered,"
While in the White House, James and Dolley Madison would also serve guests ice cream. Popular flavors in those days included parmesan, asparagus, and chestnut. Dolley preferred oyster ice cream.
Source: White House History, PBS
The Madisons were quite popular in DC and Virginian society, hosting numerous parties. During their stint in the capital, Dolley would travel all around the city, leaving invitations for friends and political allies. Attendance at some of those shindigs shot up to 500, prompting them to be nicknamed "squeezes," according to Smithsonian Magazine.
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Despite this festive lifestyle, Madison would usually close out the day with tea at 7 p.m., and be in bed by 10 p.m.
Source: "James Madison: A Son of Virginia and a Founder of the Nation"
