Parties at the Big House: Feasting, Alcohol, and Political Strategy at James Madison's Montpelier

Summary

Archaeological investigations at James Madison’s Montpelier have shed light on activities associated with James Madison Jr., 4th president of the United States.   Madison’s political career and contributions to the founding of the nation made his name last throughout history. Perhaps just as crucial to securing his legacy were the parties hosted by his wife Dolley Madison both in Washington and at the family home. Of particular interest is the fact that the couple entertained extensively after Madison’s retirement from the presidency until his death in 1836, which is peculiar given their dire financial straits at that time. Through the comparison of two mansion-associated middens at the property as well as the use of documentary evidence, this paper examines the Madisons’ dining activities through the lens of feasting and seeks to reveal the strategic underpinnings of elite entertainment at Montpelier, an approach easily applicable to other historic sites.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2013   •
• Household Objects: Approaches to Material Culture Analysis

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Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 490