James Monroe Biography: Children, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Obituary, Wife

James Monroe served as the fifth President of the United States from 1817 to 1825.

He was the last of the Founding Fathers to hold the presidency and the final leader of the Virginia dynasty.

His tenure aligned with the Era of Good Feelings, a period that marked the decline of the First Party System in American politics. Monroe was affiliated with the Democratic-Republican Party.

Profile

• Full Name: James Monroe
• Stage Name: James Monroe
• Born: 28, April 1758
• Date of death: July 4, 1831 (Aged: 73 years)
• Birthplace: Westmoreland County, Virginia, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Politician and 5th U.S. President
• Height: unknown
• Parent: Spence Monroe and Elizabeth Jones
• Siblings: Spence Jones, Andrew Jones, and Joseph Jones
• Spouse: Elizabeth Kortright (m. 1786-1830)
• Children: Eliza Kortright Monroe Hay, Maria Hester Monroe Gouverneur, and James Spence Monroe
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $31 million

Early Life And Education

James Monroe was born on April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Virginia, United States, to Spence Monroe and Elizabeth Jones. He had four siblings: an older sister, Elizabeth, and three younger brothers, Spence, Andrew, and Joseph Jones.

Monroe began his education at Campbelltown Academy and later attended a school run by Reverend Archibald Campbell at age 11. In June 1774, he enrolled at the College of William & Mary but left in 1776 to join the Continental Army.

After the war, he studied law under Thomas Jefferson in Richmond. He was of white ethnicity, though his religious beliefs remain unknown to the media.

Career

James Monroe began his career in public service after his military involvement in the American Revolutionary War, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following the war, he studied law under Thomas Jefferson, which shaped his political ideology.

His early political career started with his election to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1782, followed by a tenure in the Congress of the Confederation from 1783 to 1786.

Monroe continued to expand his influence by serving as a U.S. Senator from 1790 to 1794, where he played a key role in shaping legislative decisions during the republic’s early years.

Monroe also had an extensive diplomatic career, representing the United States in key international negotiations. In 1794, he was appointed Minister to France, where he worked to strengthen relations between the two nations.

Later, in 1803, he served as Minister to Great Britain and was pivotal in negotiating the Louisiana Purchase, significantly expanding U.S. territory. Additionally, Monroe held the position of Governor of Virginia twice, from 1799 to 1802 and briefly in 1811, further demonstrating his leadership in domestic affairs.

Under President James Madison, Monroe served as Secretary of State from 1811 to 1817, where he advocated for war against Great Britain, leading to the War of 1812. He also took on the role of acting Secretary of War during the conflict, strengthening national defense strategies.

His presidency from 1817 to 1825 was defined by the “Era of Good Feelings” and the introduction of the Monroe Doctrine, which asserted U.S. opposition to European intervention in the Americas. His leadership helped solidify the nation’s foreign policy and expand its influence on the global stage.

Social Media

James Monroe does not have a social media handle.

Personal Life

James Monroe and Elizabeth Kortright were married on February 16, 1786, in New York City. This marked the beginning of a devoted partnership that would endure throughout Monroe’s political and diplomatic career.

Together, they raised three children: their eldest daughter, Eliza Kortright Monroe Hay, who played a key role in social and diplomatic affairs, particularly during her father’s tenure as Minister to France; Maria Hester Monroe Gouverneur, who became the first presidential daughter to be married in the White House, further solidifying the Monroe family’s place in American history; and their only son, James Spence Monroe, who tragically passed away in infancy.

Net Worth

When adjusted for inflation as of 2023, James Monroe’s peak net Worth was estimated to be approximately $31 million. Despite amassing considerable wealth during his lifetime, much of his financial standing was tied to land holdings and public service rather than personal business ventures.