Thomas Jefferson and. . .

Thomas Jefferson and...

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The Presidency (1801 - 1809)

Two terms, a lasting legacy, and eight years of "a splendid misery"
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Jefferson and the Declaration

Thomas Jefferson is remembered as the man who wrote the Declaration of Independence. Learn about the events that led to the writing of this historic document.
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Religious Freedom

Multimedia resources about Thomas Jefferson’s religious beliefs and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which he considered one of his greatest achievements.
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Thomas Jefferson and Slavery

Explore Thomas Jefferson’s attitude towards slavery, the practice of slavery at Monticello, and Jefferson’s relationship with enslaved Sally Hemings.
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Lifelong Learning

Jefferson had firm beliefs on educating the general public, founded the University of Virginia, and never lost his curiosity or his drive to know more.
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Architecture

Find out more on Thomas Jefferson's lifelong passion for architecture and how he developed Monticello and what would become iconic building styles in America.
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Science and Technology

Jefferson is often thought of as an inventor, but was he?
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Washington's Cabinet

President Washington modeled his Cabinet on a military council of war - creating a group of personal advisors to coordinate policy - a decision that defined and expanded the role of the president and the executive branch.
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France

Jefferson's eventful five years as the United States' Minister to France revolutionized his thinking in virtually all aspects of his life.
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The Vice Presidency (1797 - 1801)

Jefferson viewed the Vice Presidency as " honorable and easy" with its duties limited to presiding over the Senate.
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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.
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The Adams Family

The families of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams became entwined during the American Revolution and their friendship survived estrangement, political rivalry and tragedy.
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Food

From Madeira wine to French desserts, fine cuisine was always on Jefferson's menu.
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His Families

Trace Jefferson's families, both free and enslaved, through multiple generations.
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Travel

Jefferson traveled far more - both domestically and internationally - than the average person in early America.
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His Governorship of Virginia (1779 - 1781)

During the tumultuous years of 1779 - 1781, Jefferson served as wartime Governor of Virginia until he was forced to flee from the British Army.
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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.
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Gardening

Jefferson had a lifelong enthusiasm for gardening, from agricultural experiments with fruits and vegetables, to flower propagation and ornamental landscape design.
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The Natural World

Jefferson's fascination with the natural world was part of his Age of Enlightenment thinking.