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James Munroe Facts

James Munroe Facts
James Munroe was the fifth President of the United States, as well as a Founding Father. He was born April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Virginia, to Spence Monroe and Elizabeth Jones. He had one sister and three brothers. His ancestors emigrated to America from Scotland, Wales, and France. At the age of 11 James attended school for only 11 weeks a year as he had to work on the farm the rest of the time. By the age of 16 both of his parents had died and he was forced to quit school to support his brothers. James' uncle enrolled him in college and introduced him to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry. James became involved in opposing the governor of Virginia and enrolled in the Continental Army.
Interesting James Munroe Facts:
James quit school at the College of William and Mary to enrol in the 3rd Virginia Regiment during the Revolutionary War, serving under George Washington, who would become the first United States President.
During the Battle of Trenton, James Munroe was wounded and as a result he had shrapnel in his shoulder for the remainder of his life.
In the Virginia service James Munroe reached the status of Colonel.
Following his service James Munroe focused on studying Law with Thomas Jefferson, who was the Virginia Governor at the time.
James Munroe married Elizabeth Kortright on February 16, 1786 in New York City. She was the daughter of a former British officer and wealthy trader.
James and his wife settled in Charlottesville, Virginia after their honeymoon. During their marriage they had three children together. They were very close and Elizabeth often traveled with James on business.
James Munroe had a large plantation but it was not profitable, despite having many slaves.
In 1782 James Munroe was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates.
In 1783 James Munroe was elected to the Congress of the Confederation.
James Munroe was an advocate for western expansion. He was heavily involved in the negotiation for the Louisiana Purchase.
In 1786 James Munroe resigned from Congress and focused on law.
James Monroe became a delegate to the Virginia Ratifying Convention.
In 1803 James Munroe was sent to France to negotiate for the purchase of New Orleans. Napoleon was hurting for money and sold it cheap. James also managed to secure all of the Louisiana Territory.
James Munroe attempted to negotiate with Spain to purchase the Floridas but was not successful. In 1819, 15 years later, he succeeded in the purchase during his first term as President of the United States.
James Munroe was the first President of the United States to travel via the steamboat. He was greeted with parades and other events wherever he traveled in the United States.
James Munroe served in politics for 50 years by the time he had served two terms as President of the United States. He had held more elected public positions than any president before or after him.
The inventor of the Morse Code once painted James Munroe's portrait.
James Munroe died on July 4, 1831. He was considered the last of the Founding Fathers.


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