r/James_Monroe

This is a letter from Smith Thompson (Monroe's Sec of the Navy 1819-23), written on July 5th 1831 in response to a letter informing him of Monroe's death the day before:

> Poughkeepsie Tuesday 12 OC. July 5 [1831]

> Dear Sir, your letter of yesterday informing me of the death of my highly respected and much esteemed friend Mr Monroe, has just been received. I supposed when I last saw him, it was an event we must daily expect. This afflicting dispensation of Providence, considering the time when it occurred opens to the mind many striking reflexions. That so many of our revolutionary patriots, and Ex Presidents should be taken from us on the 4th. of July, is a circumstance calculated to make strong and deep impressions never to be forgotten.

> I regret extremely that it will not be in my power to attend the funeral tomorrow Your letter was received too late to allow me to go down today by the day boat, and my state of health, and the great inconvenience of a night passage at this hot season, make it imprudent for me to take the boat this evening I most sincerely condole with you, but we must console ourselves with the reflexion, that our friend has departed, at a good old age, having honorably and usefully filled up the measure of his days and left behind him a reputation that will live forever

> Yours Respectfully, Smith Thompson

Happy Birthday to Elizabeth Kortright Monroe, born June 30, 1768!

Known affectionately in France as “la Belle américaine,” Elizabeth Monroe was admired for her intelligence, grace, and diplomatic skill. During her years abroad with James Monroe, she navigated the social and political circles of revolutionary Europe and famously helped secure the release of Adrienne de Lafayette from a French prison.

As First Lady, Elizabeth brought refinement and dignity to the role, drawing on her years of diplomatic experience abroad. While she preferred a more private life, her influence helped shape the image of the early American presidency. Today, we remember Elizabeth Monroe's contributions to the early republic and celebrate her lasting place in American history.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1509450467860553&set=a.471362298336047

Picture taken on 6/28/2026 (June 28th, 2026).

Picture taken on 6/28/2026 (June 28th, 2026).

I am a 46 year old man. and i never got too much education about James Monroe.
Since a kid. he always seemed like a interesting and forgotten founding father to me.
and i really wanna know about him some things
So. which are some fun facts about Monroe?

This oil painting portrait of the fifth U.S. President James Monroe visited the Connecticut Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons on Monday, June 23, 1817.

Sources and more information.

https://infoguides.rit.edu/aslhistory/monroe

https://asdpioneers.com/history/timeline-3/#:~:text=President%20James%20Monroe%2C%20the%20fifth%20President%20of%20the%20United%20States%20visited%20the%20Connecticut%20Asylum.%C2%A0%20His%20visit%20led%20to%20the%20creation%20of%20the%20%E2%80%9Cpresident%E2%80%9D%20ASL%20sign%20based%20on%20the%20tricorn%20hat%20he%20wore

I also purchased an exclusive James Monroe America 250 coaster at the gift shop of Highland. It was worth the price. I didn't take a picture of the guest house that still stands but there is a nice museum on the inside of it. I did take a picture of the house that was built after Monroe died which you see here.