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U.S. Presidents: James Monroe

This guide will give you information about the Presidents of the United States.

James Monroe

(1758-1831)

James Monroe

Profile

Occupation

Diplomat

U.S. Representative

Military Leader

U.S. President (March 4, 1817 – March 4, 1825)

U.S. Governor

Government Official
Date of Birth April 28, 1858
Date of Death July 4, 1831
Place of Birth Westmoreland County, VA
Place of Death New York, NY
Education

Campbelltown Academy

College of William & Mary
Parents

Elizabeth Jones

Spence Monroe
Spouse Elizabeth Kortright
Political Party Democratic-Republican
Military Service
 

Allegiance 

United States

Service/Branch (Years)

Continental Army (1775-1777)

Virginia Militia (1777-1780)

Rank

Major (Army)

Colonel (Militia)
Number of Children Three

Did You Know?

President Monroe...

  • ...left his studies at William & Mary to enlist in the 3rd Virginia Regiment.
  • ...was the first president to travel by way of steamboat.
  • ...took a journey from Paris to Madrid by mule to negotiate with Spain for the Floridas.

Links

Biography

Born on April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Virginia, James Monroe fought under George Washington and studied law with Thomas Jefferson. He was elected the fifth president of the United States in 1817. He is remembered for the Monroe Doctrine, as well as for expanding U.S territory via the acquisition of Florida from Spain. Monroe, who died in 1831, was the last of the Founding Fathers.

Quotes

 “It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising their sovereignty.”

—James Monroe
 
“The public lands are a public stock, which ought to be disposed of to the best advantage for the nation.”
—James Monroe
 
“Never did a government commence under auspices so favorable, nor ever was success so complete.”
—James Monroe

Books Located in the Library