Bring the Spirit of 1776 into 2026

Make a gift to Monticello for America's 250th

Donate Now

In 1825, Jefferson wrote that the "Declaration of Independence ... was intended to be an expression of the American mind..." 

He was joined on the journey to independence by a diverse group from every colony, united in a radical idea: that people can govern themselves. Learn more about some of the people who joined Jefferson on the journey to independence.