Celebrating my favorite university's name sake with some trivia for the second year in a row!
Which Founding Father was James Madison's distant relative? George Washington (First cousin, twice removed). Ironically, neither fathered any children.
James Madison's wife was the first private citizen to try out what new technology? Dolley was chosen by Samuel F. B. Morse to be the first private citizen to send a telegraph with his new telegraph machine.
What was the name of James Madison's horse? Liberty.
In addition to James Madison University, what other American University was named after James Madison? Colgate University. From 1846- 1890 Colgate University was named Madison University. A large endowment from the Colgate family prompted the change to the current university name.
Dolley Madison knew a thing or two about throwing parties (JMU has done well to follow in her footsteps). When James became President, she started hosting weekly parties, often attracting up to 400 people. What were these weekly parties called? "Wednesday drawing rooms" or "Mrs. Madison's crush or squeeze."
Additional Fact: Dolley Madison held the first inaugural ball.
James Madison is the shortest President at 5' 4"- how much did he weigh? 100 pounds.
After his presidency, Madison devoted much of his time to fighting the expansion of slavery. What was the name of the organization he created to end slavery in America? American Colonization Society.
Follow up question: Founded in 1819, what African country was founded by this organization? Liberia.
James Madison wrote a book, not a memoir like most other presidents. What was the name of the book? Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787. Madison refused to allow this to be published until after he and everyone else at the convention had died.
Madison was known for being soft-spoken as well as a wit. What were his dying words? "I always talk better lying down."
As always, Happy James Madison day! Go Dukes!
