In the pre-dawn hours of July 2, 1858, New York City Marble Cemetery was a ghostly place.

Wise at the time had hoped to have Monroe, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison all buried side by side in Hollywood Cemetery. But the Jefferson and Madison families would decline.

James Monroe. Fifth President, 1817–1825. Campaign: James Monroe was the last of the so-called Virginia Dynasty of presidents. Like James Madison, Monroe was secretary of state before becoming ...