259 Years and Counting
On March 16, 1751 Nelly Conway Madison gave birth to her firstborn, James Madison, Jr. She had the baby at her parents’ Port Conway, Virginia home. Nelly or “Mother Madison” and her new baby returned to James Sr. at Mount Pleasant later that spring.
259 years later, James Madison’s Montpelier commemorated the birthday of the “Father of the Constitution.” Former Deputy Secretary of Education Eugene Hickok addressed all who gathered to remember the late president. Quantico Marine Corps Base Chief of Staff Col. Thompson Gerke laid a wreath on Madison’s grave on behalf of President Obama.
Photo by Jen Fariello/The Montpelier Foundation.
The U.S. Marine Corps has a longstanding tradition of attending this annual ceremony, due to the Corps’ founding connection with James Madison. During America’s early history, pirates of the Barbary States located along the North African coast — which included Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli —preyed upon the merchant ships sailing the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, these terrorist actions had been ongoing for hundreds of years. Rather than confront the pirates, the United States and European governments paid “tributes” — extortion money — to the pirates for protection.
In 1801, during President Jefferson’s administration, the Barbary pirates demanded even higher tributes. The U.S. refused, and in response the pirates declared war. Secretary of State James Madison recommended that Jefferson send a squadron of naval ships to engage the enemy. For the next four years, the United States Navy battled the Barbary pirates in various skirmishes. Finally, in 1805 the Marines took a major pirate base, successfully defeating the Barbary pirates. In turn, the demand for tribute payments ceased.
According to early American historians, the Marines’ success battling the Barbary States not only allowed the United States to garner Europe’s respect and admiration, but also helped instill a sense of national unity in our young country.
As president, James Madison again called on the Marines to lead the nation in battle during the War of 1812. Historians credit the experience the Marines gained fighting the Barbary pirates for the young militia’s later success against the well-equipped British Royal Navy.
Adding to the festivities, Montpelier President Michael Quinn read a letter from Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, who proclaimed March 16, 2010 James Madison Appreciation Day.
Finally, a delighted “Mr. Madison” greeted guests at the mansion. He was thrilled and humbled to have such a wonderful turnout for his birthday.
Tags: James Madison, Montpelier News, Nelly Conway Madison, United States Marine Corps
Happy Birthday, Mr. Madison:) I am so glad it was a wonderful turn out!!!! And how wonderful that March 16th is now going to be known as also James Madison Appreciation Day!!!!