Aisley Payne, an enslaved cook for 30 years, later told a newspaper reporter how she, as a young housemaid, prepared for Gen. Lafayette’s 1824 visit to Montpelier.
Research
The Naming Project: William (Billey) Gardner
William (Billey) Gardner was enslaved and taken by James Madison to Philadelphia, where he was sold after getting too many ideas about liberty.
The Naming Project: Abby
Abby was enslaved by James Madison Sr. in the 1780s, according to tax records. The only other thing we know about her is that she wore a size 5 shoe.
Birthday Greetings from Montpelier
Celebratory messages from the Madisons and their well-wishers.
James Madison and Merino Mania
How Madison and his friends flocked to the cause of improving American wool.
“A Paradise of Roses”: Flowers at Montpelier
Plucking floral references from the pages of Montpelier history.
Putting People in the Picture
Who made Montpelier work? Enslaved people like Sawney, Ralph, Tony, Aleck, Sam, Moses, Paul, George, Reuben, Amy, and Hariot … just to name a few.
Executive Power in an Epidemic
How James Madison advised George Washington during the Philadelphia Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793
The Mischievous Mr. Madison
James Madison had a sense of humor. (Really.)
Annie Payne Causten: Dolley’s “Sterling Girl”
This little-known young woman had a special place in Dolley Madison’s home and heart.