Celebrating my favorite university's name sake with some trivia.
How tall was James Madison?
James Madison was 5’ 4”. In the 1812 election, he beat De Witt Clinton who was 6’3.” Shorter presidential candidates have only won 39% of the time against their opponents.
And as a follow up, which US president was the second shortest? Hint: There are two.
The next two shortest presidents are Benjamin Harrison and Martin Van Buren who both stood at 5’ 6.”
Not only was James Madison incredibly smart, he was a trendsetter in his own right. What fashion statement did Madison make that was a first for the US presidents?
He was the first president to wear long trousers! All the previous presidents wore knee breeches.
You can take that to the bank! On which form of currency did James Madison’s likeness appear? Bonus: How much was the currency worth?
James Madison appeared on the five-thousand dollar bill, which is no longer in circulation.
As Secretary of State, Madison essentially ‘wrote the check’ for the Lewis and Clark expedition. What did they name after him?
In 1805, three tributaries of the Missouri River were named after President Jefferson, Secretary of State Madison, and Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin. A picture of Madison River in Montana.
James Madison was in many ways a president of firsts. What was he the first Congressman to do?
He was the first former Congressman to be elected President of the United States. Side note: At 29, he was the youngest member of the Continental Congress.
Madison and Jefferson were political allies and friends. What Virginia institution did James Madison help Thomas Jefferson found?
He helped found the University of Virginia and served on its Board of Visitors for 17 years. Madison served as the Rector of UVA for 10 years upon Jefferson’s death in 1826.
Final fact: Madison had a pet macaw, which is pretty baller.
So enjoy James Madison Day, everyone! The Father of The Constitution deserves to be celebrated :)
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