Thomas Jefferson

Life & History

Early Life: Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743, at the Shadwell plantation in Virginia. He studied Latin, Greek, and French, and attended the College of William & Mary, where he was influenced by Enlightenment thinkers.

Political Career: Jefferson served in the Virginia House of Burgesses and authored the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He also wrote the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.

State Leadership & Diplomacy: Jefferson was Governor of Virginia during the Revolutionary War, Minister to France, Secretary of State under George Washington, and Vice President under John Adams. He helped found the Democratic-Republican Party.

Presidency: Serving from 1801 to 1809, Jefferson oversaw the Louisiana Purchase and commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Later Life: After leaving office, Jefferson retired to Monticello, continued his scientific and architectural pursuits, and founded the University of Virginia. He died on July 4, 1826.