Madison's Montpelier now open to the public

MONTPELIER, Va. For the first time in its 2 1/2-century history,James Madison's Montpelier estate is open to the public.

The 2,700-acre grounds of Montpelier have been open to thepublic on several special occasions in the past, but this is thefirst time Madison's home has been opened for public tours on aregular basis.

In addition to the 55-room, 12-bath house, the estate - ownedand maintained by the National Trust for Historic Preservation -includes 35 tenant dwellings, 30 barns with stalls for 175 horses, …