by Shannon Lausch

Created on: June 18, 2009   Last Updated: June 21, 2009

At the age of 21, James Madison was prepared to die. In a letter to a college friend in 1772, Madison wrote: "I am too dull and infirm now to look out for any extraordinary things in this world, for I think my sensations for many months have intimated to me not to expect a long or healthy life." Lucky for America, Madison couldn't be more wrong. He would live to 85, a robust number for colonial times, and during this long lifetime, he would accomplish extraordinary feats vital to America's survival. Read on to learn more fascinating facts about James Madison, the United States' amazing fourth president.

Born on March 16, 1751, Madison grew up in Virginia, but spent his college years studying at Princeton in New Jersey. Soon after graduating college, Madison would make his dire predictions about his health due to his sickly disposition. Why Madison was so ill and weak during his early life and intermittently in his adult life remains a mystery, according to historian Alf Mapp. In any case, Mapp notes that just three years after Madison's grim prediction, he would launch his phenomenal political career.

Madison was always a serious scholar. In fact, his doctors blamed his devotion to studies as the cause for his poor health. But Madison's intellect and hard work is what made him an essential part in the American Revolution.

Madison wanted to contribute to the Revolution on the battlefield, but because of his health, he had to stick to the intellectual side of the revolt. In 1776, he helped frame Virginia's Constitution. He then played a key role in the Constitutional Congress.

But Madison's most important contribution was his part in the construction and ratification of the U.S. Constitution. His contributions to the writing of the U.S. Constitution were so great that he became known as "Father of the Constitution." He also did everything in his power to ensure the ratification of the Constitution by working with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay in writing the Federalist Papers. And his work didn't stop there. He would then become the author of the Bill of Rights.

In addition to all these incredible achievements, Madison was elected the fourth president of the fledgling country in 1809. The opinion on his presidential performance, however, is mixed. It was during his presidency that the second war with Britain, the War of 1812, would arise. Britain was practicing impressment (forcing people to serve in the military) on American sailors and taking goods from American vessels. Congress pressured Madison to act against Britain and soon the United States declared war. However, the country was woefully unprepared. The British invaded the United States, even burning down the White House (Madison's wife saved a few national treasures before she was evacuated). However, the war would eventually be won, and Madison's reputation saved.

Revolutionary, father of the Constitution, author of the Bill Of Rights, secretary of state (in Thomas Jefferson's administration), and then president - no one could accuse Madison of living a dull life.

For further information:

"James Madison." White House. http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jamesmadi son/

Mapp, Alf J. Jr. The Faiths of our Fathers. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2003.

O'Brien, Cormac. Secret Lives of the U.S. Presidents. Philadelphia: Quirk Books, 2004

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