James Monroe Law Office facts for kids
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Monroe Law Office
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library, February 2022
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 Location in Northern Virginia
Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 908 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia |
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| Built | 1786 |
| Part of | Fredericksburg Historic District (ID71001053) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000917 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 13, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | November 13, 1966 |
| Designated CP | September 22, 1971 |
The James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library is a special place in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It's built where James Monroe, who later became a U.S. President, had his law office. He worked here from 1786 to 1789.
This important building was named a National Historic Landmark in 1966. Today, the state of Virginia owns it. The University of Mary Washington helps run the museum. Inside, you can see many original items that belonged to James Monroe. There are also things from his family, like dresses worn by his wife, First Lady Elizabeth Monroe.
Exploring the Museum's History
The James Monroe Museum is in the middle of Fredericksburg. It sits on the west side of Charles Street. The building has two main parts and looks a bit like the letter 'L'.
The oldest part is a long, brick building with a sloped roof. It was built way back in 1758. A larger, square brick building was added in 1964. This is when the museum and library were officially opened.
The newer part of the museum holds many items that belonged to the Monroe family. It also has a small library. This library contains books similar to those James Monroe might have owned. Most of the furniture and other items you see are from the 1800s.
Outside the museum, there is a peaceful garden. It is a memorial to James Monroe. In the garden, you can see a sculpture of him. It was made by an artist named Margaret French Cresson.
James Monroe's Early Career
This building is made up of three older structures that were joined together. People believe this was the law office of James Monroe. He used it from 1786 to 1789. Before this, Monroe had worked in the Virginia House of Delegates. He also served in the Congress of the Confederation. He left that job in 1786.
In 1788, Monroe was part of a special meeting in Virginia. This meeting was to decide if Virginia would approve the United States Constitution. At first, Monroe did not want to approve it. He wanted a Bill of Rights to be added first.
How the Museum Began
In 1928, a person named Laurence Hoes bought Monroe's law office. He was a descendant of the Monroe family. Hoes started the James Monroe Memorial Foundation. This group was created to take care of the property.
Laurence Hoes collected many items that belonged to his famous ancestor. He also fixed up the property. Then, he opened it as a museum for everyone to visit. In 1964, the new addition was built. The Monroe Foundation then gave the property to the state of Virginia.
Today, a special group manages the museum. This group includes members from the Monroe Foundation. It also has leaders from the University of Mary Washington.
See also
