THIS DAY IN HISTORY

James Madison & Andrew Jackson

On March 16, 1751, US President James Madison was born in Virginia. Sixteen years later, on March 15, 1767, US President Andrew Jackson was born on the border of North & South Carolina. It's interesting to discover the similarities between these two men.

Both studied law, but only one became a lawyer. James Madison attended Princeton with a goal of becoming a minister, but he studied the law before becoming involved in politics. Andrew Jackson, however, practiced law for much of his early career.

Madison and Jackson both served their country during the War for Independence. Madison was a colonel in the Virginia militia. Jackson was captured at the age of 13 as a prisoner of war.

Both men faithfully served in their respective state governments and in the federal government. Madison was instrumental in writing the 1776 Virginia Constitution, participated in the Constitutional Convention, and played a major role in drafting the Bill of Rights. Jackson was a Tennessee Supreme Court justice, and served in both the US House and Senate. Of course, both were also presidents of the United States!

Both were courageous leaders in the War of 1812. Madison was Commander-in-Chief, and Jackson was a US General who became famous after the Battle of New Orleans.

Jackson and Madison both served two terms as president before retiring from politics. Madison retired to Montpelier and died in June 1836. Jackson retired to his Hermitage home where he died in June 1845.

One interesting difference relates to their personal faith. Very little is known about Madison's faith, despite his early aspiration to become a minister. Jackson, however, was largely quite about religion until his public profession of faith in 1838.

Much of the above content is taken from The American Story: Building the Republic.

Get your copy today to discover more about these two American presidents! In this work, you'll also discover other amazing stories from the lives of each of the first seven US presidents.

Presenting America’s forgotten history and heroes

with an emphasis on our moral, religious and constitutional heritage.