47 Interesting Facts about James Monroe

Dan April 22, 2023

James Monroe was the fifth president of the United States, serving from 1817 to 1825. He was born on April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Monroe was a soldier, lawyer, and politician before becoming president. He was known for his commitment to national unity, expanding the country’s borders, and promoting a foreign policy that focused on the interests of the United States.

Monroe’s political career began in the Virginia House of Delegates, where he served for three years before being elected to the Continental Congress in 1783. He played a key role in negotiating the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States. Monroe later served as the governor of Virginia, as well as the minister to France and Great Britain.

During his presidency, Monroe is best known for his Monroe Doctrine, which stated that the United States would not tolerate any further colonization or intervention in the affairs of the Americas by European powers. This policy was seen as a bold move to assert American power and was a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy for decades.

Monroe’s presidency was also marked by economic growth, the construction of the Erie Canal, and the beginning of the “Era of Good Feelings,” a period of relative political harmony and nationalism. However, his administration was also marred by the controversy surrounding the Missouri Compromise, which attempted to resolve the issue of slavery in new states and territories. Overall, Monroe’s presidency was characterized by his strong leadership, commitment to national unity, and his lasting impact on American foreign policy.

What about James Monroe interesting facts? Here are 47 interesting facts about James Monroe.

1. James Monroe was born on April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Virginia.
2. Monroe was the fifth president of the United States, serving from 1817 to 1825.
3. He was the last of the Founding Fathers to become president and the last president from the Virginia Dynasty.
4. Monroe was the last president to have served in the American Revolution.
5. He was a close friend and ally of Thomas Jefferson.
6. Monroe attended the College of William and Mary in Virginia, but he did not graduate.
7. He joined the Continental Army during the American Revolution and served as an officer in several battles.
8. Monroe was wounded at the Battle of Trenton and nearly died.
9. He studied law under Thomas Jefferson and was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1780.
10. Monroe served as a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1783 to 1786.
11. He helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States.
12. Monroe served as governor of Virginia from 1799 to 1802.
13. He was the U.S. minister to France from 1803 to 1807.
14. Monroe was also the U.S. minister to Great Britain from 1803 to 1807.
15. He served as Secretary of State under President James Madison from 1811 to 1817.
16. Monroe was elected president in 1816 and re-elected in 1820, winning every electoral vote except one.
17. He was the last president to wear a powdered wig.
18. Monroe was the first president to be inaugurated on the steps of the Capitol.
19. He was the first president to travel extensively throughout the country while in office.
20. Monroe was the first president to tour the southern states.
21. He was the first president to visit the western states.
22. Monroe was the first president to cross the Mississippi River.
23. He was the first president to visit Canada.
24. Monroe was the first president to use a steamboat.
25. He was the first president to visit a Native American reservation.
26. Monroe was the first president to visit a foreign country while in office.
27. He was the first president to visit Mexico.
28. Monroe was the last president to serve in the American Revolution.
29. He was the last president to have served in the Continental Congress.
30. Monroe was the first president to be photographed.
31. He was the first president to have his portrait painted while in office.
32. Monroe was the first president to have a grandchild born in the White House.
33. He was the first president to have a foreign head of state visit the White House.
34. Monroe was the first president to have a state dinner at the White House.
35. He was the first president to have a cabinet member die in office.
36. Monroe was the first president to have his vice president die in office.
37. He was the first president to have a presidential library.
38. Monroe was the first president to have a book published after leaving office.
39. He was the first president to have a street named after him.
40. Monroe was the first president to have a monument built in his honor.
41. He was the first president to be buried in a tomb.
42. Monroe’s tomb is located in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.
43. He was the last president to own slaves while in office.
44. Monroe’s plantation, Highland, is now a historic site.
45. Monroe was a member of the Episcopal Church.
46. He died on July 4, 1831, the third president to die on Independence Day, after John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
47. Monroe’s legacy includes the Monroe Doctrine, which asserted American dominance in the Western Hemisphere and became a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy for decades to come.

James Monroe was a remarkable figure in American history, who played a significant role in shaping the country during its early years. He served his country with distinction as a soldier, diplomat, and statesman, rising to the highest office in the land. As president, he helped to solidify America’s place on the world stage, laying the foundation for American exceptionalism and promoting democracy and freedom both at home and abroad. His legacy as a Founding Father and a champion of American ideals has endured to this day, cementing his place in the pantheon of great American leaders.