Title: Oil Portrait of James Madison

Description: James Madison, one of the authors of the Federalist Papers, led the United States through its first war as a union, the War of 1812. President and Mrs. Madison refurbished the White House; however, in August of 1814, British troops ransacked the capital, burning the White House and most of the government buildings.

Date: 1816

Creator: John Vanderlyn

Credit: White House Historical Association (White House Collection)