THE NEIGHBORS
Determined to create a society of friends and neighbors near Monticello, Jefferson began trying in the 1760s to convince friends of the necessity of proximity for the enjoyment of philosophical evenings. He took further action to surround himself with friends in the 1780s by launching a correspondence campaign to convince friends and political allies to join him in Albemarle County. James Madison and James Monroe were two notables who lived near Jefferson. These friends and native Virginians, who served as the third, fourth and fifth presidents of the United States, formed a presidential neighborhood in central Virginia.
Montpelier Distance from Monticello: 29 miles Montpelier was the home of James Madison, the fourth president of the United States and one of Thomas Jefferson’s closest friends and confidants. When Madison began making changes to his home and building additions, Jefferson provided architectural advice. Jefferson’s highly skilled joiner James Dinsmore is credited with the major architectural changes at Montpelier. Between 1790 and 1823, Jefferson visited Montpelier on 29 documented occasions, either as a waypoint on his trips to and from Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., or simply to visit his friend. Madison and his wife, Dolley, were also frequent guests at Monticello, visiting so often that one of the bedrooms became known as “Madison’s Room.” Madison and Jefferson were closely linked for 50 years, enjoying what Madison biographer Irving Brant called a “perfectly balanced friendship.” They complemented and supported each other, both personally and in their political careers — Madison
Like Madison, James Monroe was also one of Jefferson’s longtime friends. The two first met in Williamsburg when Jefferson was governor of Virginia. Jefferson advised Monroe — who would become the fifth president of the United States in 1817 — to prepare for a career in public service by studying the law, and in 1780 Monroe studied law under Jefferson’s tutelage. In gratitude, Monroe wrote his mentor, “I feel that whatever I am at present in the opinion of others or whatever I may be in future has greatly arose from your friendship.” In 1789, nearly 20 years after meeting Jefferson, Monroe shared some good news with his old friend: “It has always been my wish to acquire property near Monticello. I have lately accomplish’d it by the purchase of Colo. G. Nicholas improvments in Charlotteville.” This property, known as Highland, would become home to Monroe and his wife, Elizabeth. The location of the house was chosen by Thomas Jefferson, who wanted his friend’s home within view of his own nearby Monticello. served as secretary of state while Jefferson was president (and succeeded him in the presidency). In a farewell letter, Jefferson wrote that Madison’s friendship provided “sources of constant happiness,” adding: “To myself you have been a pillar of support thro’ life.” Highland Distance from Monticello: 2 miles
20 SPRING / SUMMER 2023
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