Here are some quick facts, opinions, quotes and other information on President James Monroe.
Personal Information on James Monroe:
- Fifth (1817-1825)
- Birthday: April 28, 1758 (Friday)
- Birthplace: Monroe Hall (Westmoreland), Virginia
- Birthplace Website: President James Monroe’s Birthplace
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Date of Death: July 4, 1831 (Monday)
- Place of Death: New York City, New York
- Place of Burial: Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia
- Burial Website: Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia
- Cause of Death: Tuberculosis
- Age: 73 years old
- Length of Retirement: 2313 days
Interesting James Monroe facts:
- James Monroe was a member of the Virginia convention that was considering ratifying the US Constitution. He was a strong anti-federalist, so he strongly opposed its adoption. He thought it gave too much power to the central government. In fact, when he was President, he vetoed the Cumberland Road Bill, because he didn’t believe the Federal Government should play any role in improvements to the road. He thought this was the state’s responsibility.
- James Monroe was a Senator during the First United States Congress (March 4, 1789 – March 4, 1791). Well, he wasn’t actually the first choice. John Walker and William Grayson were the first two Senators from Virginia. William Grayson would die, in the middle of his term, on March 12, 1790. Monroe was elected to replace him.
- Monroe was a plantation owner and owned slaves. He did not run the plantations but hired overseers to run the operation. Apparently his overseers treated the slaves harshly to increase production. Monroe was unable to generate a profit from the plantations and went into debt.
My favorite James Monroe Quotes:
Our country may be likened to a new house. We lack many things, but we possess the most precious of all – liberty.
A little flattery will support a man through great fatigue.
The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil.
The American continents … are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers.
It is better to spread trust all around than to hand our money!
James Monroe blogs (click the title to go to that page):
James Monroe page on Presidential Crossroads (click “James Monroe” below):
James Monroe
James Monroe Blogs:
What similiar trait do I have with the first ten Presidents
Personal thoughts on James Monroe:
Strengths:
Wasn’t afraid to surround himself with strong leaders, Unity leader, Bold (at times)
Weaknesses:
Wasn’t really tested (basically ran unopposed both terms), He sometimes “looked away” when he wanted things done but didn’t want to be blamed if something went wrong
Presidential Greatness Scale (1-poor to 5-great): 3
Comments:
I believe James Monroe was an average President. His Monroe Doctrine was a great statement, but at the time we really had no methods to back it up. It has been used more by post-Lincoln Presidents to keep foreign nations out of our back yard. He presided over the Era of Good Feeling and face no opposition to his second term. He was the first President to take a tour of our country (he did it twice) and I believe that went a long way to making us think of ourselves as one nation. He and his main general, Andrew Jackson, disagreed on whether Monroe authorized Jackson’s crusade through Florida. Spain thought we unfairly invaded their territory, but the end result was we ended up with Florida.
Favorite James Monroe book:
James Monroe – The Quest for National Identity by Harry Ammon
Favorite James Monroe story:
Monroe probably really wanted Florida, which belonged to Spain. When General Andrew Jackson invaded Florida, Spain really raised a fuss. Monroe said he never told Jackson to invade. Jackson swore that Monroe did tell him. Spain was really in no position to defend Florida. Monroe sent his Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams, to negotiate a treaty. The end result was the Adams-Onis Treaty. Florida became ours, for a price ($5,000,000 claim assumption), and Spain also agreed to relinquish any claims to Texas.
Most memorable James Monroe memory:
Visiting the James Monroe Museum in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Favorite James Monroe possession (see picture at the top):
The old US President trading card I have of him.
