Key Facts
- Term
- 1801--1809
- Party
- Democratic-Republican
- Vice President
- Aaron Burr / George Clinton
- First Lady
- Martha Jefferson (died before presidency)
- Home State
- Virginia
- Born
- 1743
- Died
- 1826
Biography
Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743 in Shadwell, Virginia. A polymath — architect, inventor, philosopher, musician, and farmer — he is best known as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence at age 33.
After serving as the first Secretary of State, Vice President under Adams, and founder of the Democratic-Republican Party, Jefferson won the presidency in the bitterly contested election of 1800 — called the "Revolution of 1800" for its peaceful transfer of power between opposing parties.
His presidency was defined by the Louisiana Purchase (1803), which doubled the size of the United States for $15 million (about 3 cents per acre), and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which explored the new territory. He also signed the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves (1807).
Jefferson founded the University of Virginia after leaving office and designed its campus. He died on July 4, 1826, the same day as John Adams. His epitaph, which he wrote himself, mentions founding the University of Virginia and writing the Declaration — but not his presidency.
Key Events & Accomplishments
- Louisiana Purchase (1803) — doubled the size of the United States
- Commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806)
- Signed the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves (1807)
- Embargo Act of 1807 — banned foreign trade to avoid war (economically devastating)
- Established West Point military academy
- Reduced the national debt by one-third
Notable Quotes
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”
“An informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy.”
Did You Know?
- Jefferson wrote his own epitaph listing three achievements — but did not include being president.
- He owned over 600 enslaved people during his lifetime, a contradiction with his written ideals about equality.
- He sold his personal library of 6,487 books to Congress after the British burned the Capitol in 1814 — forming the core of the Library of Congress.