Thomas Jefferson wrote that “all men are created equal,” and yet enslaved more than 600 people over the course of his life.

Jefferson's Attitudes Toward Slavery

Thomas Jefferson called slavery a “moral depravity” and a “hideous blot,” but continued to hold human beings as property his entire adult life.

The Practice of Slavery at Monticello

Although he made some legislative attempts against slavery and at times bemoaned its existence, Jefferson also profited directly from the institution of slavery.