Thomas Jefferson and...

Learn more about different facets of Thomas Jefferson’s life, achievements, and pursuits.

The Presidency Two terms, a lasting legacy, and a "splendid misery."
Religious Freedom For Jefferson, whose unorthodox religious views were a matter of heated discussion, the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was one of his greatest achievements.
Lifelong Learning Student, scholar, advisor - Jefferson’s educational pursuits covered a broad range of topics and roles throughout his lifetime.
Architecture Explore Jefferson's sources of inspiration and his designs for some of the most iconic buildings in America.
Technology Jefferson is often thought of as an inventor, but was he?
Washington's Cabinet Drawing on his experience as Commander of the Continental Army, Washington created the President's first Cabinet with a team of advisors who turned out to be bitter rivals, including Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton.
France Jefferson’s eventful five years as the United States' Minister to France revolutionized his thinking in virtually all aspects of his life.
The Vice Presidency A divided government, a falling out with a fellow Founder, foreign intrigue, and the creation of an influential manual of parliamentary procedure were hallmarks of Jefferson's term as Vice President from 1797-1801.
Exploration As president, Thomas Jefferson commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore the newly purchased Louisiana Territory. He was a strong supporter of westward expansion and sponsored many expeditions to map the western parts of North America.
The Adams Family Meet the family of Jefferson's frenemies - John Adams, Abigail Adams, and John Quincy Adams - who played a key role in America's early years.
Food From Madeira wine to French desserts, fine cuisine was always on Jefferson's menu.
Slavery Thomas Jefferson wrote that “all men are created equal,” and yet enslaved more than 600 people over the course of his life.
His Families Trace Jefferson's families through multiple generations.
Travels Jefferson traveled far more - both domestically and internationally - than the average person in early America.
Virginia Governorship During the tumultuous years of 1779 - 1781, Jefferson led Virginia until he was forced into hiding from the British Army.
Native Americans Thomas Jefferson viewed Indigenous North American Peoples as subjects of intellectual curiosity, as enemies in war, as partners in peace, and as people to be assimilated into white Anglo-American culture.
Gardening From experimental vegetable propagation to ornamental landscape design, Jefferson had a lifelong enthusiasm for gardening.
The Natural World Jefferson's fascination with the natural world was part of his Age of Enlightenment thinking.

Monticello's Declaration Book Club

Rediscover America's founding document through our three-part reading and discussion tool kit designed for learners of all ages to delve into the enduring principles of the Declaration of Independence and their relevance today.

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