James Monroe visited Dover New Hampshire on July 17th, 1817 at age 59. He served as the fifth President of the United States between March 4, 1817 and March 4, 1825 as the fourth Virginian to hold the office. As a close ally of Thomas Jefferson, he was a diplomat supporting the French Revolution. He had previously been the Secretary of War between September 27, 1814 and March 2, 1815, and Secretary of State between April 2, 1811 and September 30, 1814, and between February 28, 1815 and March 4, 1817 under James Madison, and played a large role in the War of 1812 with Britain. He toured the Northeast just four months after he took office at a time the opposition to the War of 1812 was strong and the New England states refused to fund the war or provide troops. He rallied local citizens for support by appealing to people’s pride, patriotism, and national identity. He spoke of the heroes and battles of the War of Independence, and how important it was to share victories. By the end of the war in 1815, the country was weak and divided on political and regional lines.

President Monroe was elected in 1816 most notable for the acquisition of Florida in 1819, the Missouri Compromise in 1820 declaring it a slave state, and the profession of the Monroe Doctrine in 1823 that declared United States opposition to European interference. He deemphasized partisanship during his presidency, known as the Era of Good Feelings. James Monroe holds the record for being the president in the most paintings. He appeared in over 350 throughout the 1800’s, including the famous “Washington Crossing the Delaware” in which he stands behind George Washington holding the American flag.

Below is the transcript of the visit:

Mabel Hayes – “Charlotte, I can’t believe we don’t have our own town militia to guard the President of the United States. It’s a disgrace!”

Charlotte Lear – “I agree, Mabel! Using these soldiers from Rochester and Milton certainly conveys the wrong impression! If word gets around that Dover doesn’t have its own troops to protect its citizens, let along the President of the United States, no one important will ever come here again.”

President Monroe arrives, greeted by a handshake with Mayor William King Atkinson

Mabel Hayes – “Oooooh! He looks just like his painting!”

Charlotte Lear – “Shhhh!”

Mayor William King Atkinson – “Mr. President – Sir, forming a small, but component part of a great nation over which you preside, permit us on behalf of the inhabitants of the ancient town of Dover to welcome you within its borders. We have no fortifications, no attractions, for you to view. Our pursuits are principally agricultural. The little commerce we had has suffered the depression common all along the Atlantic shore. We in Dover are turning, instead, to domestic manufactures. We now give you, sir, a most cordial welcome to this part of New Hampshire and we wish you long life, health and a prosperous administration.”

President Monroe – “Honorable Mayor Atkinson and all the citizens here gathered – I am honored by all the kind words and gestures. I do not consider all of this attention as paid to me personally, but of the Office of the President. You have had some difficult times since the war with Britain embargoed your shipping pursuits, yet the depression of our commerce must be borne with fortitude. The nation is now on a return towards peace and my New England tour will aid in ushering in what I call the era of good feelings. I am delighted by this reception and ask you to unite with us in fervent prayer that our government might be administered for the best interest of the whole nation. Thank you.”

President Monroe dined at the Wyatt’s Inn and spent the night in the home of William Hale which is preserved at the Woodman Institute Museum. He left for Concord the next morning. The tour of the Northwest became a success throughout New England, reviving the nation’s economy with expansion. He was later invited Revolutionary hero Marquis de Lafayette to the United States.