James Monroe Timeline

James Monroe's Birthday

Apr 28, 1758

James Monroe was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia.

Preparation for College

Period: Jul 12, 1769 to Sep 1, 1774

At home, Monroe's mother tutored him and sent him to Campbelltown Academy.

Higher Education

Sep 3, 1774

James Monroe enrolled at Virginia College of William and Mary and studied law.

Monroe an Officer

Mar 23, 1776

As an officer, Monroe joined the Continental Army and General George Washington's army at the battle of Trenton.

Election Day

May 31, 1782

James Monroe was elected as to the Virginia House of Delegates.

Monroe's Service

Period: Jan 21, 1783 to Feb 16, 1786

Monroe served in the Continental Congress and meeting in New York.

Marriage

Feb 16, 1786

James Monroe met and married Elizabeth Kortright Monroe in New York

Monroe Becomes a Senator

Oct 17, 1790

The Virginia legislature elected James Monroe as a U.S. senator.

The Democratic-Republican Party

Oct 19, 1791

Monroe joined the Democratic-Republican Party led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

Power and Responsibility

Jun 16, 1794

As a minister in France, Monroe had a tremendous power and overwhelming responsibility.

Monroe's Return to Virginia

Jan 1, 1799

When Monroe was elected governor of the state, he returned to Virginia for eminence in public service.

Louisiana Purchase

Jan 1, 1803

Monroe bought Louisiana for $15 million.

Monroe's Defeat

Apr 7, 1808

Monroe lost in the presidential election among the Democratic-Republican Party. Consequently, James Madison, instead of Monroe, became the candidate of the U.S. president.

The Secretary of State

Apr 10, 1811

James Monroe was elected as the U.S. Secretary of State.

The War of 1812

Feb 28, 1812

James Monroe proved to be a powerful asset to Madison.

The Secretary of War

May 5, 1814

President James Madison elected Monroe as the Secretary of War.

Rebuilding White House and America

Mar 4, 1817

James Monroe rebuilt White House and America.

Missouri Compromise

Jun 16, 1820

Thanks to the Missouri Compromise, both Maine and Missouri became declared states.

Monroe Doctrine

Dec 2, 1823

Monroe announced his doctrine, which prohibited any European invasions of his country.

Monroe's Retirement

Mar 4, 1825

Monroe retired from his presidential position to live in the farm in Oak Hill, Virginia.

President of the Virginia Constitutional Convention

Nov 13, 1829

Monroe, as the president of the Virginia Constitutional Convention, fought for the right of freehold suffrage for his last years.