Childhood

At age 11, Madison went to a boarding school 70 miles from his home, or a 3- day horseback ride.

At this time, he began his mastery of Greek, Latin, mathematics, geography and English literature.

Five years later, he returned to his father's estate in Orange County, VA (which is now Montpelier).

His family owned more than 3,000 acres of land and dozens of slaves.

Madison was an intelligent boy and he performed well in school.