Today in Johnson City History, Monday, March 16, 2026

Tragic deaths, news from Telford and more

Friday, March 16, 1751: On this day, 275 years ago, James Madison was “Born at Belle Grove Plantation, Port Conway, Colony of Virginia.” Madison became “the fourth president of the United States”. He served in that capacity from March 4, 1809 until March 3, 1817. “Known as the ‘Father of the Constitution,’ he was the principal author of that document and was one of the essayists of The Federalist Papers, which argued for its ratification. He was secretary of state under Thomas Jefferson during the negotiations for the Louisiana Purchase. The War of 1812 broke out during his presidency. When British forces invaded Washington D. C., Madison and other high officials had to flee while the British burned the Capitol, the president’s residence and most other public buildings;” the burnings took place from August 24 to August 25 in 1814. He stated: ‘The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.’ Madison died at Montpelier, Virginia on June 28, 1816.”