Thomas Jefferson Quotes - 24 quotes

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was a key figure in American history. He was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and served as the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. He was born on April 13, 1743, in Shadwell, Virginia. Jefferson's early education included studying at the College of William & Mary, where he developed a lifelong passion for learning. He began his political career in the Virginia House of Burgesses and later served as the governor of Virginia. During the American Revolutionary War, he was a delegate to the Continental Congress and played a crucial role in drafting the Declaration of Independence. As president, Jefferson oversaw the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which doubled the size of the United States, and commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore the new territories. He was a strong advocate for individual liberty and the separation of church and state. Despite his contributions to the ideals of freedom and democracy, Jefferson's legacy is complex due to his ownership of enslaved people and his relationship with Sally Hemings. After his presidency, he retired to his Virginia plantation, Monticello, and founded the University of Virginia. Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826, leaving behind a lasting impact on American history and governance.