On Thursday, Oct. 16, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners voted to support a request from the Dolley Madison Woman’s Club of Greensboro to place a monument to Dolley Madison in front of the Old Guilford County Court House in downtown Greensboro.
The vote came as the Woman’s Club marked its 50th anniversary. To celebrate the milestone, members asked the county for help in funding a permanent tribute to the woman whose name the club has carried since 1974. The commissioners approved a grant of $10,000 for the project, with the club contributing the balance, expected to be about $5,000 to $6,000.
The Old Court House has long been the symbolic center of Guilford County life, hosting ceremonies, public gatherings and civic events. Soon it will also feature a monument to a woman whose life began in Guilford County and who went on to become one of the most influential figures in the early years of the United States.
Dolley Payne was born in 1768 in Guilford County in the Quaker community of New Garden. Her family later moved north, but her local roots remained part of her identity. She married James Madison, who served as the fourth president of the United States from 1809 to 1817.
As First Lady, Dolley Madison helped define the role by establishing the White House as a center of social and political life. She was widely admired for her grace and her ability to bring people together in a capital that was often divided by politics.
Her most famous act came during the War of 1812 when British troops advanced on Washington. Before fleeing the Executive Mansion, she directed the rescue of the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington. That portrait still hangs in the White House today.
For Guilford County, Madison’s story has always been a point of pride. The Dolley Madison Woman’s Club noted that their anniversary provided the right occasion to make sure her name is remembered in a prominent way downtown. With the commissioners’ approval, the monument project will now move forward.
How much will taxpayer have to fork over for this? Another waste of money.
10K
It was a shame when they moved her house from Friendly Avenue to Dolley Madison Rd. It was a great restaurant but there was a nice monument on Friendly. They didn’t move it I don’t think. Finally, something to remember of our history.
If you remember your history and look at the many wastes in County spending, it is worth it. We have forgotten out history and most seem not to care.
Dolly Madison was born in what was a combination of Orange and Rowan counties. Guilford wasn’t created from them until 1771. Here’s some interesting reading for those who read or post in the Rhino:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guilford_County,_North_Carolina
North Carolina was established as a royal colony in 1729
Creation of counties in North Carolina.
https://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/genealogy-and-family-history/family-records/nc-county-formation
Is the statue going to be dressed (or undressed) as Bellachik’s (sp.? )Playmate? We are concerned about pornography so available to children and those who subscribe to PLAYBOY and even many of the female news and weather reporters-the evening television news is many times not proper for children. News should be important and meaningful enough not have to use partial nudity to attract attention.
Was glad when RHINO TIMES was going to continue with meaningful news, Why was it necessary to show such a trashy picture of a woman in fancy undergarments at a ball game of college students, where many young people were there to see a ball game. There are publications and videos available for those who have different standards of meaningful news.
Cancel my long-time subscription to RHINO TIMES.
NJR Wells
NO I have not said this Previously. Prove it
Great way to recognize a unique point of history for Guilford County.