Born on April 28, 1758, Monroe grew up in Virginia, participated in the Revolutionary War, and had a significant political career.

Born: April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Virginia... Monroe, a charming man admired for his honesty, presided over two decisions that presaged the rest of 19th century American history ...

James Monroe was the last of the so-called Virginia Dynasty of presidents. Like James Madison, Monroe was secretary of state before becoming president. A spirit of vigorous nationalism known as the ...