- 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:
SEE ALSO: A look at the daily routine of Thomas Jefferson, who rose early, drank coffee, and wrote a lot
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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
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