Honoring a Guilford County Daughter
New Dolley Madison monument connects local history to America 250
Dolley Madison by Gilbert Stuart
As communities across the nation begin commemorating America's 250th anniversary, Guilford County has unveiled a lasting tribute to one of its most remarkable native daughters.
On May 20, county leaders, community members, and representatives from women's organizations across North Carolina gathered at the Guilford County Bicentennial Garden to unveil a monument honoring Dolley Payne Madison. The ceremony marked both the beginning of Guilford County's America 250 observance and the 258th birthday of the woman who would become America's fourth First Lady. The monument was presented through a partnership between Guilford County and the Dolley Madison Woman's Club of Greensboro.
Members of the Sedgefield Woman's Club joined fellow General Federation of Women's Clubs members from across the state to celebrate the occasion, recognizing a woman whose influence extended far beyond the White House.
Representing the Sedgefield Woman's Club at this ceremony was both an honor and a reminder that local women have always played important roles in shaping our communities," says Sarah Burger, president of the Sedgefield Woman's Club. "Dolley Madison led not through elected office, but through grace, diplomacy, and her ability to bring people together. I hope younger generations recognize that leadership often begins with simply showing up, serving others, and finding ways to build connections."
The new monument joins other notable memorials in the Bicentennial Garden, including tributes to civil rights leader Dr. George Simkins and voting rights advocate Gertrude Weil. Together, they tell the story of individuals whose lives helped shape both Guilford County and the nation.
Born in Guilford County on May 20, 1768, Dolley Payne Madison remains North Carolina's only First Lady of the United States. After marrying future President James Madison in 1794, she transformed the role of First Lady into one of influence and connection, welcoming people with differing viewpoints and using hospitality to bridge political divides.
She is perhaps best remembered for her actions during the War of 1812, when she helped preserve important national treasures—including Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington—before British troops burned the White House.
More than 250 years after her birth, Dolley Madison continues to symbolize leadership, diplomacy, and service—qualities that remain relevant as the nation reflects on its past and looks toward its future.
"The moment that resonated most with me was seeing so many women from different clubs and generations gathered to honor someone whose story began right here in Guilford County," says Blair Kopf of the club's executive team. "As we approach America's 250th anniversary, I hope people remember that ordinary citizens can have an extraordinary impact. Civic engagement doesn't have to happen on a national stage—it starts in our neighborhoods, our organizations, and our willingness to contribute."
As Guilford County begins its America 250 observance, the monument serves as a reminder that national history often begins close to home. The stories that shaped the country were also shaped by local communities—and by individuals willing to lead, serve, and preserve what matters for future generations.