BIDDEFORD — On a warm summer morning on July 15, 1817, Deacon Amos Chase, 99, saddled his horse and rode it three miles to the home of his friend George Thatcher in Biddeford so he could be part of a historical day.

Despite his advanced age and frail appearance, Chase accomplished his goal of meeting the fifth president of the United States and extended him an eloquent welcome that concluded with the invocation of a blessing for President James Monroe, who was touring New England states while the White House was under repair from damage sustained during the War of 1812.

To mark the 200th anniversary of Monroe’s historic trip to Biddeford, the Biddeford Historical Society is offering a free presentation Saturday that will focus on Monroe’s visit, the War of 1812 and Thatcher’s contributions as a U.S. Congressman representing Maine.

According to Denis Letellier, Biddeford Historical Society president, the presentation starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Meeting House on Meeting House Road in Biddeford.

“This was really a historic day in Biddeford to host a visit by the president,” Letellier said. “It was the first time a sitting U.S. president had come to Maine.”

Just three months following his inauguration as president, Monroe departed Washington while the White House was being remodeled after it was burned and damaged by invading British troops in August 1814. One of Monroe’s goals during the trip was to inspect military defenses for the nation, but he also viewed the trip as an opportunity to promote national unity.

His journey spanned more than 2,000 miles in a three-month tour of eight states and the then-territory of Michigan. It included stops in York, South Berwick, Wells, Kennebunk, Saco, Scarborough, Stroudwater and Portland, along with Biddeford in Maine, which was still a part of Massachusetts before gaining statehood two years later in 1819.

Monroe was invited to Biddeford by Thatcher, who had moved to Biddeford around 1782. Thatcher was one of the original representatives elected to Congress in 1789 after serving as a Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress in 1787 and 1788.

When he gave up his seat in Congress representing Massachusetts 14th Maine District in 1801, Thatcher was the last original congressman of the United States still serving at that time.

Thatcher also was an associate justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court from 1801 to his death in 1824 at his home in Biddeford. He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Biddeford.

Monroe was born in Virginia in 1758 and served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. He was part of George Washington’s troops involved in the famous crossing of the Delaware River and later was severely wounded in battle, but recovered and was promoted by Washington to the rank of captain for his bravery.

Before being elected president, Monroe was a United States Senator from Virginia, U.S. Minister to both France and Great Britain, a two-time governor of Virginia, U.S. Secretary of State and U.S. Secretary of War.

He served two terms as U.S. president, leaving office in 1825. He died in New York City in 1831. 

Those attending the presentation about Monroe’s visit in Biddeford will be able to participate in discussions about the War of 1812, and to see numerous historical artifacts on display from the Monroe era up close. 

“The historical society has the wallpapers from Thatcher’s home and an extensive collection of his letters,” Letellier said. “There will be a lot to see and do at this event and it’s all free and open to anyone who wishes to attend.”

Fore more information about Saturday’s Biddeford Historical Society presentation, call 468-9305 or 282-1000.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 326, or by email at editor@journaltribune.com.