NBC29Restoration Celebration at Montpelier

After four years of detailed restoration, Montpelier is back to the way it looked when James Madison lived there in the 1800s. Wednesday's Constitution Day celebration brought state and national dignitaries to the Orange County estate.

There's no better place to honor Constitution Day than at the home of the father of our Constitution. Thousands of visitors came to Montpelier Wednesday morning to show their appreciation for Madison.

In the world of politics, Madison represents something different for everyone. "He invented a government that could be run by idiots," said Jim Lehrer, PBS news editor and anchor.  

Governor Tim Kaine added: "In the words of today, James Madison was a flip-flopper, folks."

More than 220 years ago, Madison signed the Constitution, securing an influential place in the history books. Now that his home is restored, Montpelier has earned it's own historical spot.

"This was a very troubled place when we first came here--all kinds of needs, not enough money to do it," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Crews spent four years meticulously transforming the 55-room mansion back into the 26-room estate that it was when the Madisons owned it.

"He would pleased with the quality of the restoration and attention to historical detail," said Chief Justice John Roberts.  

The celebration featured 2,600 students from five surrounding counties creating a living flag representing Madison's era. And after the ribbon was cut, thousands lined up to tour the home.

"I'm very humbled everyday having the privilege to serve in the seat that was held by James Madison in Congress," said 7th District Representative Eric Cantor (R).

The restoration project cost $24 million. Crews are now looking to fill the house with furniture from Madison's era.

Reported by Christina Mora