Bed

While Montpelier had at least seven bedchambers during James and Dolley Madison’s retirement, this is the only currently known bed with Montpelier provenance. According to family tradition, this mahogany four-post bed was purchased at a ca. 1840s Montpelier sale and was referred to as “Mother Madison’s bed,” suggesting it was used in her chamber. Upon his death, James Madison Sr. owned five walnut dressing tables, six mattresses, eight large beds, twelve bolsters, ten pillows, seven coverlets, six quilts, twenty seven bed blankets, and two sets of bed curtains. Made in the mid-Atlantic, the bed emphasizes typical period detailing, including a carved acanthus-leaf motif. Generations of tack marks on the upper cornice suggest the bed was dressed with curtains to provide privacy and warmth. Originally designed as a rope bed with pegs, the piece was later modified to hold slats.