Monroe, James
Born April 28, 1758 (Westmoreland County, Virginia)
Died July 4, 1831 (New York, New York)
Diplomat, governor, U.S. president
James Monroe was the first of the early prominent U.S. leaders to deliberately choose public service as his career. Spanning forty-three years, Monroe's career included the roles of state legislator, governor, foreign diplomat, U.S. secretary of state, U.S. secretary of war, and U.S. president.
Young James
James Monroe was born on April 28, 1758, the first of four children born to Colonel Spence Monroe and Elizabeth Jones Monroe. James was tutored at home before entering a private school at twelve years of age. He entered the College of William and Mary at the age of sixteen. After two years, his studies were interrupted when he decided to join the Continental Army, to fight for American independence. The American Revolution (1775–83) had begun, and James wanted to help his country break free from British rule.
Monroe saw action in New York at Harlem and White Plains. He was wounded at the Battle of Trenton in New Jersey, and after recovering he went on to battle in Pennsylvania atBrandywine (September 1777), Germantown (October 1777), and Monmouth (June 1778).
Monroe left the Continental Army in 1780 with a high commendation from the commander in chief, General George Washington (1732–1799; see entry in volume 2).
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