James Madison was the fourth President of the United States.  During his time in office, he resided over the War of 1812, where the White House was burned out.  Dolly Madison is said to have made sure that the Portrait of George Washington was saved. Madison is considered the Father of the United States Constitution.  He is also the man who actually wrote the Monroe Doctrine.  Below you will find information and resources about this President's life and his contributions to the Nation while he was in the Executive Office.

Time in Office:

 March 4, 1809 to March 3, 1817

Events while in Office:

1811

Madison allows 20-year charter of Bank of the United States to lapse.

William Henry Harrison fought Indians led by Chief Tecumseh at Tippecanoe, near Indianapolis, November 7.

1812

War declared on England on June 18 after England continued to attack U.S. ships headed to France.

Madison reelected.

1814

City of Washington captured and burned by British, August 24.

Francis Scott Key observed flag over Fort McHenry at Baltimore, September 14, inspiring him to write "The Star-Spangled Banner".

Treaty of Ghent ended War of 1812 on December 24, but fighting continued.

1815

Andrew Jackson defeated British at New Orleans January 8, after war ended.

1816

Second Bank of the United States chartered, April 10. 

Presidential Facts:

• Madison was the first president who had prior service as a congressman.
• Zachary Taylor and Madison were second cousins.
• Madison was the first president to wear long trousers. All previous presidents wore knee breeches.
• During the War of 1812 Madison was under enemy fire. He was the first president to be in that situation.
• At 5 feet, 4 inches and less than 100 pounds, he was the shortest and lightest president.
• Dolley Madison sent the first personal message using the Morse telegraph in 1844.

Source: Potus 

Articles About This President:

1. The Capture And Burning Of Washington
2. Two Years Of War
3. Biography of James Madison by Sydney Howard Gay

Presidential Documents:

1. State of the Union Messages by James Madison

Internet Resources:

1. Biography of Madison on the White House website.
2. James Madison Resources at the Miller Center website American President.
3. Madison Biography on the Montpelier website (Madison's home).
4. Montpelier - The website of James Madison's home.
5. The Madison Papers at the Library of Congress website.
6. The Madison Papers at Founders Online.
7. The Writings of James Madison in 9 Volumes at the Online Library of Liberty Website.
8. Select Madison Papers at the Avalon Project Website.
9. The Papers of James Madison Project at the University of Virginia.
10. James Madison Reference Guide at the Library of Congress website.