News Source: The James Monroe Memorial Foundation
COLONIAL BEACH, Va., April 28, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The James Monroe Memorial Foundation proudly announces the publication of “United States in Congress Assembled Delegate James Monroe: Architect of America’s First Organic Territorial Law,” a new paper by historian Stanley Y. Klos.
Image caption: A paper by Stanley Y. Klos.
The study highlights James Monroe’s pivotal role not only in supporting Jefferson’s 1784 Ordinance but, more critically, in drafting the original framework for the Northwest Ordinance, presented to Congress in Spring 1786.
Monroe’s draft created America’s first federal Organic Law governing U.S. territory—setting the constitutional foundation for orderly expansion, equal statehood, and protection of republican principles.
As Chairman of the Committee on the Western Lands, Monroe shaped both the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the territorial governance structure that evolved into the Northwest Ordinance of 1787—the only Organic Law enacted under both the Articles of Confederation and later reaffirmed under the U.S. Constitution.
“James Monroe’s legal vision defined how America would grow,” said Stan Klos. “He ensured that new territories would not be treated as colonies, but as future states, preserving the Revolution’s ideals.”
James Monroe’s contributions as a delegate to the United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) under the Articles of Confederation have had a profound and lasting impact on the United States, despite often being overlooked.
His key accomplishments include:
- Ordinance Leadership: Played a crucial role in the creation and enactment of the Ordinance of 1784, the Land Ordinance of 1785, and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which laid the foundations for territorial governance, the abolition of slavery and indentured servitude in the Northwest Territory, and public education through land grants.
- Territorial Governance Blueprint: Authored the May 1786 committee report outlining a detailed plan for transitioning territories to statehood based on population milestones, forming the backbone of the 1787 Northwest Ordinance.
- Capital Relocation and Preservation: Alongside William Grayson, Monroe successfully advocated against relocating the federal government to Trenton, helping maintain the seat of government in New York through the Constitution’s drafting and ratification. This set the stage for the Residence Act of 1790 and the permanent establishment of the U.S. capital along the Potomac River.
- Revolutionary Veteran Leadership: As a veteran and congressman, he participated in securing the military victories necessary for the ratification of the Treaty of Paris (1783) and helped address the mutiny at Independence Hall, prompting the relocation of the nation’s capital from Philadelphia to more secure locations.
The full paper will be published on the James Monroe Memorial Foundation website beginning April 28, 2025 – https://monroefoundation.org/2025/04/28/usca-delegate-james-monroe/
About The James Monroe Memorial Foundation:
The James Monroe Memorial Foundation is committed to honoring and promoting the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of America’s fifth president. Learn more: https://monroefoundation.org/.
MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Stanley Y. Klos
stan@historic.us
(202) 239-1774
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