Today we visited the gorgeous home of James and Dolley Madison, Montpelier. It differed greatly from Monticello, in grounds as well as architecture, though Jefferson had a hand in the final Madison era renovation of the home.
What a splendid place! I suppose if I could choose anywhere in my limited world experiences to live, it would be Montpelier. Here are a few photos from the day...
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| A grand view up the sweeping lawn to the house, which was "restored" to its original Madisonian state, wrapping up in 2008 |
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| A beautiful bronze of James and Dolley Madison. The sculptor made these true-to-life using original clothing owned by the Madisons (how cool is that!?) Dolley is about 5'4" |
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| In the Montpelier Visitor's Center there are several mannequins displaying costumes from the "American Experience" Dolley Madison documentary, a wonderful series with fantastic costumes. |
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| Wow, bonnet! From The "American Experience" Dolley Madison documentary |
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| The "lawn ornament" just off to the right of the main house. This was apparently intended to be an outdoor study for President Madison, and was built atop the icehouse. He never used it as such. |
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| Another splendid costume from the Dolley Madison documentary. |
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| Dolley was known for her turbans. This one, from the documentary, was of beautiful, colorful fabric. |
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| Again we could not take photos inside the house - such a pity! - but I made a little sketch of the outside, before we left on our travels northward to Manassas. |
