James Monroe’s birthday is today, April 28th. The fifth president of the United States of America, James Monroe served in office from 1817-1825. Born in Virginia in 1758, he worked as a lawyer before he became a politician. In 1786, he married Elizabeth Kortright and they had three children.

As President, Monroe picked up the nicknames: “The Last Cocked Hat” and “Era-of-Good-Feelings President”. Monroe is probably best known for what came to be known as the Monroe Doctrine after his death. In the President’s message to congress on December 2, 1823, he warned that Latin America be left alone, that Russia must not encroach southward on the Pacific coast and that “. . . the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European Power.”

Monroe died in 1831 in New York City. He was the last American President of the “Virginia Dynasty” – four of the first five US presidents were from Virginia

Why not learn about this US president in your homeschool this week? Visit the White House page on James Monroe for more information.  Have fun with these activities, learning games, and printables at apples4theteacher.com. You can also download free samples of our Presidential Penmanship series with great presidential quotes for copywork.