John Trumbull’s Capture of the Hessians at the Battle of Trenton shows Monroe wounded. He took a musket ball in the left shoulder.
James Monroe (1758 – 1831)
The 5th President of the United States, 1817 – 1825
AKA: The Era of Good Feelings President, The Last Cocked Hat (because he loved the fashion of the last century)
From: Virginia
College: The College of William & Mary
Married to: Elizabeth Kortright
Children: Eliza, James Spence, Maria Hester
Party: Democratic-Republican
Previous Jobs: Planter, Lieutenant in the Continental Army, Delegate to the Congress of the Confederation, US Senator, Minister to France, Minister to the United Kingdom, Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State, Secretary of War
In His Words: “The American continents … are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers.”
“A little flattery will support a man through great fatigue.”
Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze. Monroe is shown holding the flag.
“Never did a government commence under auspices so favorable, nor ever was success so complete.”
“Our country may be likened to a new house. We lack many things, but we possess the most precious of all — liberty!”
“Preparation for war is a constant stimulus to suspicion and ill will.”
Not true: It’s not true that everyone loved Monroe – though he was an extremely well-liked war hero, statesman and President. He ran unopposed in 1820 and received every electoral college vote except one, which was cast for John Quincy Adams, his eventual successor.
True: James Monroe died on July 4th – just like Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.
Monroe was in favor of founding African colonies for the return of free African Americans. Those colonies would eventually form Liberia. Its capital, Monrovia, is named in his honor.
Five states were admitted during his Presidency: Mississippi (1817), Illinois (1818), Alabama (1819), Maine (1820), Missouri (1821).
On December 25, 1776, George Washington’s army crossed the Delaware River to attach a Hessian army camped near Trenton, New Jersey. Lieutenant James Monroe was one of two wounded; he was shot in the shoulder rushing an artillery battery.
The Official Portrait: James Monroe was painted by Samuel F.B. Morse, circa 1819. Better known as the inventor of the electric telegraph, Morse was also the first professor of painting and sculpture for New York University.
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