March 4, 1809 - President James Madison sworn in as Commander In Chief

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - On this day, March 4, 1809, James Madison was inaugurated as the United States’ fourth President.

President Madison is the city of Madison’s namesake.

To win the Presidency, Madison defeated Federalist candidate Charles Cotesworth Pinckney in the election of 1808.

However, Madison’s political career began long before that.

Known as the Father of the Constitution, Madison came up with many of the key ideas that were included in the legislation.

He also helped draft the Bill of Rights in the late 1700s.

Madison served two terms as President of the United States, including during the War of 1812.

Madison, Wisconsin was named for President Madison the same year he died, in 1836.

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