Season 1, Episode 4-James Madison and Port Conway

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Listen to This Episode!
Season 1, Episode 4: James Madison and Port Conway

Listen as we visit James Madison’s birth and site at Belle Grove Plantation in Port Conway, along the Rappahannock. While the original home fell into the river (!), you can visit the current Belle Grove Plantation. Learn about Madison’s childhood and education, his family, and what else happened near his birth site!

History of Belle Grove Plantation, on the site of the President’s birthplace.

James Madison at Mount Pleasant from Encyclopedia Virginia.

Be sure to check out James Madison’s “Visiting the Presidents” Episode from Season 2, “James Madison and Montpelier” for his homes!

Also, check out James Madison’s “Visiting the Presidents” Episode from Season 3, “James Madison’s Tomb” for his gravesite!

From My May 2017 Visit!

Highway marker for Madison’s birthplace.
With Madison’s marker!
Snapped!

***BONUS: the Booth markers I spotted en route to the Madison birthplace!

The Assassin’s End marker I first spotted on my way to Madison’s birthplace.
Sign in Port Royal for the Booth marker.

From My July 2021 Visit!

Re-Visiting James Madison’s Birthplace!
Entrance to Belle Grove!
Marker for Booth with Belle Grove behind.
Belle Grove Plantation
Booth’s signage.
Other Booth sign.

From My June 2022 Visit!

James Madison birthplace marker.
Just across the river from James Madison’s birthplace in Port Royal.
Mount Pleasant, on today’s Montpelier estate, where Madison grew up before moving into the main mansion.
What Belle Grove, Madison’s birthplace, would have looked like along the Rappahannock, ca. Booth’s escape.
James Madison portrait by Gilbert Stuart.

James Madison Birthplace: 17200 James Madison Parkway, Port Conway, Virginia.

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Feldman, Noah. The Three Lives of James Madison: Genius, Partisan, President

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Brookhiser, Richard. James Madison

Published by visitingthepresidents

I'm a Professor of History at Central Arizona College and someone who loves history and travel; my new blog will combine those interests!

2 thoughts on “Season 1, Episode 4-James Madison and Port Conway”

  1. Pingback: Season 2, Episode 4-James Madison and Montpelier – Visiting the Presidents
  2. Pingback: Season 3, Episode 4-James Madison’s Tomb – Visiting the Presidents

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