PRESIDENTS DAY
Born: In Westmoreland County, Virginia, on April 28th, 1758.
Education: Monroe attended the College of William and Mary, studied law with Jefferson.
Occupation: Lawyer, diplomat, public official, fought in the American Revolution, 1775-78.
Religion: Episcopalian.
Family life: He married Elizabeth Kortright in February 1786, when the bride was not yet 18. They had two daughters Eliza, and Maria, and a son who died in infancy. In retirement at Oak Hill, Elizabeth Monroe died on September 23, 1830.
Political career: Elected to Virginia legislature during the Revolution; a member of Congress, 1783-86; served in United States Senate 1790-94. He was Madison's secretary of state, 1811-17. Served two terms as president, a peaceful period known as the "Era of Good Feeling."
Highlights of his presidency: Missouri Compromise admitted that state as a "slave" state. Acquired Florida from Spain. Announced the Monroe Doctrine as fundamental foreign policy position.
Appearance: Tall 6 feet, rugged, and athletic.
Died: On July 4, 1831 in New York, New York.
Burried: He is buried at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.
