James Monroe

Date of Birth: April 28, 1758

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: July 4, 1831

Biography

James Monroe was the fifth President of the United States, serving from 1817 to 1825. Born into a modest family in Westmoreland County, Virginia, Monroe became a lawyer before embarking on a distinguished political career. He fought in the American Revolutionary War, where he was severely wounded. Monroe later studied law under Thomas Jefferson, which profoundly influenced his political philosophy. He served as a U.S. senator, governor of Virginia, and held various diplomatic positions, including Minister to France and Britain. His presidency is best known for the Monroe Doctrine, a cornerstone of American foreign policy that warned European nations against colonizing or interfering in the Americas. Monroe’s era was marked by the “Era of Good Feelings,” reflecting a period of national unity and political cooperation, though it also saw the contentious debate over the Missouri Compromise and the expansion of slavery.

5 Interesting Facts about James Monroe

1. James Monroe was the last president of the “Virginia Dynasty,” a term used to describe the first five presidents, four of whom were from Virginia.

2. He is the only president to have a foreign capital named after him: Monrovia, the capital of Liberia.

3. Monroe was the first president to tour the country extensively, promoting national unity.

4. He held more major offices than any other President, including Minister to France, Minister to Britain, Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State, and Secretary of War.

5. Monroe was the third president to die on Independence Day, following Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both of whom died on July 4, 1826.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Monroe

1. “The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil.”

2. “Preparation for war is a constant stimulus to suspicion and ill will.”

3. “The American continents…are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers.”

4. “National honor is the national property of the highest value.”

5. “A little flattery will support a man through great fatigue.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

James Monroe’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $27,000 in his time, which is approximately $600,000 in today’s dollars. He struggled financially, especially after his presidency.

Children

James Monroe had three children with his wife, Elizabeth Kortright Monroe: 1. Eliza Monroe Hay (1786–1840) 2. James Spence Monroe (1799–1801) – died in infancy 3. Maria Hester Monroe Gouverneur (1802–1850)