Thomas Jefferson
(1743–1826)

Thomas Jefferson is one of the most widely respected and admired figures in American history. A gifted writer, diplomat, political leader, inventor, architect, philosopher, and educator, with an intense belief in equal rights and individual freedoms, Jefferson played a significant role in the creation and shaping of America.

Born into a wealthy Virginia family, Jefferson received a thorough classical education as a boy. After graduating from the College of William and Mary in 1762, Jefferson spent five years studying law. In 1769, two years after Jefferson received his license to practice law, he was elected to the Virginia house of Burgesses. While serving in the House, Jefferson became an outspoken defender of American rights. After Jefferson displayed his persuasive abilities in his pamphlet A Summary View of the Rights of British America (1774), he was chosen to draft the Declaration of Independence at the Second Continental Congress in 1776.

When the Revolutionary War ended, Jefferson served as the American minister to France for several years. He then became America's first Secretary of State in 1789. In 1801, after he served as Vice-President under John Adams, Jefferson became the third American President. While in office, Jefferson nearly doubled the size of the nation by authorizing the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France.

In 1809 Jefferson retired to Monticello, the Virginia home he had designed and devoted his time to reading, conducting scientific experiments, collecting paintings, and playing the violin. Jefferson also helped to found the University of Virginia, designing the campus and planning the curriculum.

Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826—the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

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