James Madison (1751–1836) was the fourth president of the United States, serving from 1809 to 1817 as a leader of the Democratic-Republican Party. A principal architect of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, he later guided the nation through the War of 1812.
Madison is remembered as the "Father of the Constitution" for his central role at the Constitutional Convention and for helping draft the Federalist Papers and the Bill of Rights. His emphasis on checks and balances and a balanced federal system shaped American constitutional order.
As president, he navigated intense partisan conflict and led the United States through the War of 1812, a test of American sovereignty that fostered renewed national identity despite military and financial strains. His presidency reinforced federal authority and left a lasting, if mixed, legacy on the practice of republican government.
Principal architect of the Constitution; Principal author of the Bill of Rights; Co-author of the Federalist Papers; Secretary of State under Thomas Jefferson (1801–1809); President during the War of 1812
Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.
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U.S. naval forces under Commodore Thomas Macdonough and supporting Army troops defeated a British invasion fleet and army at Plattsburgh, New York.
A British expeditionary force defeated American militia at Hampden on September 3, 1814, then occupied Bangor and parts of eastern Maine.
After occupying Alexandria, British forces under Admiral Cockburn extracted a monetary payment from the town to prevent further destruction and seize supplies.
British troops advanced on and occupied the port town of Alexandria, seizing supplies and demanding contributions from local authorities.
After the fall and burning of Washington, Madison fled the capital and spent the night in Brookeville, Maryland, while the administration reorganized its whereabouts.
As British troops burned the Capitol and other public buildings, Treasury official Stephen Pleasonton removed the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other government records to safety.
During the British attack and burning of Washington, British forces set fire to the U.S. Capitol, destroying the early Library of Congress collection.
First Lady Dolley Madison had the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington removed from the White House to prevent its capture by the British.
After entering the city, British forces set fire to the Capitol, the President’s House (White House), and other public buildings in Washington, D.C.
American militia and regulars were defeated at the Battle of Bladensburg, allowing British troops an unopposed march on Washington, D.C.
A British force under Rear Admiral Cockburn and Maj. Gen. Robert Ross landed at Benedict, Maryland, beginning the overland advance toward Washington, D.C.
On August 9, 1814, U.S. representatives under General Andrew Jackson and leaders of the Creek (Red Stick) nation signed the Treaty of Fort Jackson, requiring the Creeks to cede roughly 23 million acres of land.