Thomas Jefferson

Born:: April 13, 1743 (April 2, 1743, Old Style), Shadwell, Virginia, British America
Died:: July 4, 1826, Monticello, Albemarle County, Virginia, United States
Nationality:: American
Profession(s):: Founding Father, Statesman, Diplomat, Lawyer, Architect, Philosopher, Slaveholder

Early Life and Education

Born into a prominent Virginia planter family.
Educated at the College of William & Mary, studying law.
Inherited significant land and enslaved people upon his father's death.

Career and Major Achievements

Delegate to the Virginia House of Burgesses (1769-1775).
Delegate to the Continental Congress (1775-1776).
Principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776).
Governor of Virginia (1779-1781).
United States Minister to France (1785-1789).
First United States Secretary of State (1790-1793).
Third President of the United States (1801-1809).
Oversaw the Louisiana Purchase (1803).
Founded the University of Virginia (1819).

Notable Works

Declaration of Independence
Notes on the State of Virginia
Statute of Religious Freedom

Legacy and Impact

Thomas Jefferson's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He is revered as a Founding Father and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. He played a pivotal role in the early republic's formation and expansion through the Louisiana Purchase. His advocacy for religious freedom and public education left a lasting impact. However, his ownership of enslaved people remains a significant point of criticism and complicates his historical image.

Finding a Deeper Understanding

To truly understand Thomas Jefferson, readers often explore various perspectives and interpretations. For those seeking a more comprehensive view of his life and works, a search for 'biography thomas jefferson books amazon' can provide access to a wide range of scholarly and popular works.