Madison Style

Creating an American Style

In 1817, James and Dolley Madison retired from public office to their beloved Piedmont home.  Enlarged and remodeled during Madison’s presidency, Montpelier was a unified Georgian mansion-house with two private, flanking wings and ample public space for the flood of guests they anticipated. Dolley found that she was “less worried here with a hundred visitors than with 25” in Washington. By their retirement, Montpelier was furnished with objects that represented many phases of the Madisons’ lives, from vernacular and regional Virginia-made pieces in Nelly’s chambers to ornate furnishings acquired for the Madisons by friends abroad after the French Revolution.

"I was much pleased with Montpellier and think both the house and situation delightful, I found too, much amusement in looking at the endless variety of pictures, statues, and engravings with which every room is crowded."

Mary Randolph to Ellen Coolidge, October 30, 1826