Bedchamber

Created as part of the ca. 1797 addition to his parent’s home, this large bedchamber was likely intended for newly married James and Dolley Madison. A smaller adjacent chamber may have been used by Dolley’s young son, John Payne Todd, or her sister, Anna Payne. Visitors invited upstairs noted large, commodious rooms fitted with elegant Empire furniture. After the north wing was built ca. 1809-1812, a private terrace was created off the room, which had a sweeping view of the landscape. Friend Margaret Bayard Smith noted that Dolley’s bedchamber contained a “sopha” and easy chairs, suggesting the room may have been used for entertaining. The chest of drawers and wardrobe listed in 1815 luxury tax records were likely also in the large chamber.