History

In the years following the Revolutionary War, the United States Government

offered land grants to encourage citizens to settle new territories to the west.

The land on which Madison’s Grant is built is part of a land grant of 170 acres

made to John M. Lean on July 20, 1812 by President James Madison.

President Madison, considered to have been the most influential contributor

to the United States Constitution, is best known as “The Father of the

Constitution”. He served as a member of Congress and as Thomas

Jefferson’s Secretary of State before winning the presidential election of

1808. Madison served two terms in office promoting his advocacy for a

strong federal government. Madison was the smallest U.S. President

standing 5’4” and weighing about 100 pounds. His wife, Dolley Payne Todd

Madison was the most important woman in the social circles of America for

half a century. To this day she remains one of the best known and best

loved ladies of the White House. The street names throughout Madison’s Grant

reflect the life and times of our 4th President and his wife Dolley.