The Founders At Home: The Building Of America 1735-1817

When we think of the founding fathers of the United States, we often envision them on the grand stage of history, shaping a new nation with their pens and words. But have you ever stopped to wonder what their lives were like at home? How did they build the foundations of a nation while also tending to their personal lives and families?

From 1735 to 1817, the founders of America were not only engaged in the political and philosophical debates of the time, but they were also busy establishing their own homes. These houses served as both a sanctuary and a hive of activity, where they could nurture their families, host fellow patriots, and plan the future of a nation.

The Founders' Homes: A Reflection of Their Lives

Each founder's home was a unique reflection of their individual character, interests, and aspirations. For example, George Washington's Mount Vernon was not only a stately mansion but also a fully functioning plantation. At Mount Vernon, Washington oversaw his business ventures, managed agricultural practices, and entertained guests in style.

The Founders at Home: The Building of America, 1735-1817

by Myron Magnet (Illustrated Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14369 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	513 pages

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Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, on the other hand, was an architectural masterpiece that embodied his intellectual curiosity and love for classical design. With its iconic dome and stunning gardens, Monticello became a physical manifestation of Jefferson's belief in the importance of knowledge, art, and science in a democratic society.

John Adams, known for his dedication to public service, had a modest but comfortable home in Braintree, Massachusetts. Here, Adams spent hours reading and writing, exchanging letters with his fellow founders, and guiding the nation through the challenging years of the Revolutionary War.

The Intimate Spaces: Behind Closed Doors

While the public image of the founders often depicts them as stoic and resolute figures, their homes were where they could truly be themselves. Within the privacy of their own walls, they enjoyed simple pleasures and cherished moments with their loved ones.

Thomas Jefferson, a devoted family man, used to play the violin for his grandchildren at Monticello. Benjamin Franklin, famous for his wit and humor, would entertain guests at his Philadelphia home with lively stories and experiments.

Martha Washington, too, played a crucial role in shaping the home life of the founders. At Mount Vernon, she managed the household affairs, ensuring everything ran smoothly, allowing George Washington to focus on his duties as the first President.

Strategic Gathering Places: The Power of Salons

Salons were an integral part of the founders' home life and played a significant role in shaping the intellectual and political landscape of the time. These gatherings brought together eminent thinkers, writers, and politicians to engage in lively discussions and debates.

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello was a renowned salon, attracting the likes of James Madison, James Monroe, and other influential figures of the era. These gatherings served as breeding grounds for new ideas, fostering innovation and collaboration amongst the founders.

Similarly, Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia home was a hub of intellectual activity. He hosted intellectual salons, known as the "Junto," where participants discussed a range of subjects, including science, philosophy, and politics.

The Legacy: How the Founders' Homes Shaped America

The homes of the founders were not only personal spaces but also important symbols of the new American identity. They represented ideals such as liberty, independence, and the pursuit of happiness.

These homes, with their architectural splendor and intellectual gatherings, inspired future generations to strive for greatness and to build a better nation. The legacy of the founders lives on in the very buildings they created, reminding us of the bravery and vision that birthed our great nation.

As we reflect on the lives of the founders and their homes, let us not only remember the grandeur of their achievements but also appreciate the smaller, intimate details that made them human. In understanding their personal lives, we gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and dedication that went into building the United States of America as we know it today.

The Founders at Home: The Building of America, 1735-1817

by Myron Magnet (Illustrated Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14369 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	513 pages

FREE

Why the American Revolution, of all the great revolutions, was the only enduring success.

Through the Founders’ own voices—and in the homes they designed and built to embody the ideal of domestic happiness they fought to achieve—we come to understand why the American Revolution, of all great revolutions, was the only enduring success.

The Founders were vivid, energetic men, with sophisticated worldviews, and this magnificent reckoning of their successes draws liberally from their own eloquent writings on their actions and well-considered intentions. Richly illustrated with America’s historical and architectural treasures, this volume also considers the houses the Founders built with such care and money to reflect their vision for the fledgling nation. That so many great thinkers—Washington, Madison, Hamilton, Jefferson, John Jay, the Lees of Stratford Hall, and polemicist William Livingston—came together to accomplish what rightly seemed to them almost a miracle is a standing historical mystery, best understood by pondering the men themselves and their profound and world-changing ideas.

Through impressive research and an intimate understanding of these iconic patriots, award-winning author Myron Magnet offers fresh insight into why the American experiment resulted in over two centuries of unexampled freedom and prosperity.