Birth and Early Life
James Madison Jr. was born on March 16, 1751. His birth took place at Belle Grove Plantation near Port Conway, Virginia of King George County. He spent his early life in Mount Pleasant, the name of the plantation his father, James Madison Sr., owned. Madison was the eldest of twelve siblings. When James Madison was eleven years old, he was sent to a boarding school managed by Donald Robertson in King and Queen County, Virginia. After five years, he returned to his father's estate in Orange County, Virginia and received private tutoring. Madison's father craved his son's return due to a concern for his child's health. After two years in 1769, Madison Jr. received higher education at the College of New Jersey (currently known as Princeton University). Madison Jr. studied Greek, Latin, science, philosophy and other subjects. Following his graduation in 1771, Madison continued his studies with the university's president, Reverend John Witherspoon.