Doesn’t that name Montpelier sound familiar? It is more than just a name. Montpelier in Prince George’s County, Maryland, holds stories of historical significance. This suburban community, near the Baltimore–Washington Parkway, has a unique past.
Montpelier was developed by Levitt & Sons in the 1960s and early 1970s. The community features four house models, creating eight different floor plans with mirror images. But Montpelier’s history stretches back much further.
The area’s history dates back to 1685. A land grant from Lord Baltimore was given to Richard Snowden, Sr. Snowden, an indentured servant, became a large landowner. The Snowden family constructed the Montpelier Mansion. It became a symbol of their financial and social success.
Today, Montpelier operates as a Planned Unit Development. Covenants and restrictions maintain community standards. These are outlined in Governing Documents from January 1998.
But there is another Montpelier. James Madison’s Montpelier stands as a monument to history. James Madison was the fourth President, the father of the Constitution, and the architect of the Bill of Rights. His wife, Dolley, was America’s first “First Lady.”
Visitors can explore the historic home and grounds seven days a week. House tours are complemented by exhibits. One is the “The Mere Distinction of Colour.” There are walking tours and galleries, too. The Museum Shop and Madison family and slave cemeteries offer insight. An archaeology lab and active dig sites are present. Formal gardens and forest trails add to the experience. Award-winning barbecue is available at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center’s Exchange Cafe.
The Montpelier Foundation administers Montpelier. It is also a National Trust Historic Site. Montpelier honors James Madison. It also remembers the enslaved community. It serves as a museum of American history and a center for constitutional education. It engages the public with Madison’s idea: government by the people.
James Madison shaped the U.S. Constitution at Montpelier. For six months, Madison studied past governments in his library. He organized his thoughts into principles for a representative democracy. Madison’s ideas became the “Virginia Plan.” Later, they formed the framework for the Constitution.
Montpelier focuses on James and Dolley Madison’s political and cultural impact. It also interprets the lives of the enslaved community. It shows their descendants’ struggle for freedom and equal rights. Montpelier includes structures from James Madison’s lifetime. There is the mansion and a neoclassical temple. A historic freedman’s cabin and a Jim Crow-era train depot are also present. More than 100 historic structures remain. Many date back to William S. duPont’s family.
James Madison’s Montpelier hosts one of the nation’s largest archaeology research projects. This project studies slavery. The Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution is also located here. It provides constitutional education and dialogue through online and residential programs.
Visiting James Madison’s Montpelier offers an extraordinary experience. The estate dates back to James’ grandfather, Ambrose, in the early 1700s.
During a visit to James Madison’s Montpelier, you can explore exhibits. These exhibits don’t shy away from the harsh realities of slavery. They reveal its impact on the enslaved and their descendants. One powerful exhibit is “The Mere Distinction of Colour.” It details the daily lives of the enslaved.
Montpelier stands as a testament to history’s complexities. It encourages reflection on the past. It also promotes dialogue about the present. It leaves visitors with a deeper understanding of American history.