James Madison was the fourth president of the United States.

Important events during President Madison's administration were:

• In 1810 the population in the United States was more than 7 million.

• Work began on the National Road in 1811.  It started in Maryland and ended in Illinois and was used by settlers moving to the west.

• The first war bond issue authorized on March 4, 1812.

• The first wedding took place in the White House on March 29, 1812, when Mrs. Madison's sister was married to a Supreme Court justice.

• Louisiana was admitted as the 18th State on April 8, 1812.

• The Missouri Territory was organized on June 4, 1812.

• The United States declared war against Great Britain on June 18, 1812.

• The first interest-bearing treasury notes were authorized on June 30, 1812.

• The British captured Washington, D.C. on August 25, 1814 and President and Mrs. Madison fled to safety.

• Francis Scott Key wrote the words to the Star Spangled Banner on September 13, 1814.

• The Battle of New Orleans took place on January 8, 1815.

• Indiana was admitted as the 19th state on December 11, 1816.

James Madison was:

• the third President born in Virginia.

• the third President whose mother was alive when he was inaugurated.

• the third President to marry a widow.

• the first President who had been a Congressman.

• the first President to wear trousers instead of knee breeches.

• the last surviving signer of the Constitution.