The Portland daily press., 1883-08-20
The Home of Madison.
Washington Post.l

LNasnnigton IOSbJ
Montpelier is situated on the Virginia
Midland railroad, four miles from Orange
Court House, and about eighty miles south
west from Washington. Formerly it was
only accessible by riding from Orange Court
House, but the present owner recently erect
ed station opposite the estate, and trains
| now stop very near the grounds. The road
leading to the old fashioned entrance gate IL
completely shaded by oyerhanging trees
The gate posts are surmounted with urns.
After entering the estate the avenue runs
| for little distance beneath the trees, aud
| then energies into wide expanse of field.
| The old mansion is visible from the gate,
although the road leading to it is winding
one. 1t was the first brick house erected in
Orange county, and it is said to have been
designed by an architect named Chisolm.
When originally constructed it was with
out wings, these being added by President
Madison during his term of office. The ex-
terror appearance of the mansion is similar
to that of Mount Vernon, Monticello, Ar
lington and even the Presidents house in
this city, massive columns being the main
feature. The fancy woodwork OF the porch
is carved by hand. The house is two stories
high, constructed of brick and stone, and,
though finished in plain style, its cost must
have been very great for the period in which
1t was built. Its interior conveniences and
arrangement are far better than those of the
other places mentioned. The entrance doors
open upon broad hall way, and the parlors
are large and spacious. There are ii or I2
until xxy;p1 49,. e
the house shows the culture end refinement
of its present occupant. Everything is mod
ern. The old gold paper, the paintings,
piano, decorations, and bric-a-bric are not of
the last century. Dainty embroideries tell
how the seal of modern fashion is stamped
upon the place.
The estate proper consists at pi esent of
1000 acres, although formerly it was much
larger. Immediately around the house are
SO acres of improved grounds, handsomely
graded, with graveled walks and drives.
Directly in front and to the right of the resi-
dence is an avenue shaded by large and no
BILE white pine trees, in perfect rows, said to
have been planted by Madison in his youth.
Singularly enough, at the end of this avenue
is the ice-house, an imposing structure con-
sisting of six columns supporting a large
dome. Ithas more the appearance of maui
solemn than anything else. II was built by
James Madison, ST., and was the first in the
county. 1t has an interesting anecdote con-
nected with it. An incredulous old servant,
who could not be made to believe that ice
could be kept through the summer, wagered
his master wild turkey against drink of
iced gros that it could not be so preserved
Madison won the wager.
Besides these pine trees there are four
Lebanon cedar trees, said to have been
planted by Madison. A grove of stately
walnut trees add their beauty to the place.
The rear OF the house opens out upon an ex-
quislte lawn, now modernized by lawn
tennis court. Near by are handsome groves,
while two tall poplars, known as s'the twin
sisters" form striking feature in the land
scape.
The flower garden, which is situated about
300 yards IN southeasterly direction from
the house, deserves more than a passing no.
tice. 1t was located by Mr.. Madison,
and was designed to represent the
plan of the hall in Philadelphia, where
the Continental Congress met. A small pla-
teau at the lower end marks the place of the
speakers desk. From this semi-circular
terraces rise in imitation of raised floor.
The upper end, which was formerly circular,
has been squared, and the boundaries of the
garden are now straight lines Within the
Enclosure are the fig trees which are always
mentioned in connection with Montpelier, a
grape arbor, and old fashioned box hedges.
But the glory OF the sweet-william, mignon-
cite, gentian, marigold, and aster is depart
ed. 1t is perhaps indicative of the times
that the terraces are now covered with prac-
teal tomato plants and other vegetables.
The era OF restoration and progress visible
at Montpelier has not reached the old FAM
ly burying- ground. This is situated some dis,
lance from the house on the crest of the hill,
the road thereto passing a dilapidated tobac-
co store-house. The lot is about 100 feet
square and is surrounded by a brick wall
about four feet high. On the gate is an iron
scroll with the simple inscription: "Madi-
| son, 1920" Within the wall is a rank
| growth OF periwinkle, briars, bushes and
| young trees. The place is inhabited by
snakes. who find in the thick underground a
cool retreat. Madison's grave is hidden,
but its place is marked by granite obelisk
some 20 or % feet high, which was erected
by the citizens of Orange county as their
tribute to his character. It's inscription is
| as follows: