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Encyclopedia of Presidents: Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was an incredible man. He is famous for writing the Declaration of Independence and for... Show More

Events

birthday

1743

Thomas Jefferson is born on April 13th, 1743. Shadwell is a census-designated place by the Rivanna River in Albemarle County, Virginia near Charlottesville. This was the birthplace of Thomas Jefferson

father has died

1757

Thomas is now 14 years old. He is devastated to hear the new that his father has died. Peter Jefferson died at his house on the Shadwell tract in Albemarle County.

H.O.B

1769

Jefferson is proud to announce that he has gotten a spot in the House of Burgesses. Little does he know that this will be the start of his famous political career. At the house of Burgesses, he learned the skills that enabled him to lead in founding the new nation.

picture

1770

http://s3.amazonaws.com/mtv-main-assets/files/resources/large_house-of-burgesses-677.jpg

wedding day

1772

Jefferson gets married at last. His bride is Martha Wayles Skelton. She was 24 years old, and Jefferson was 29. They were 5 years apart.

continental congress

1775

The American Revolution has begun. Jefferson is selected into the second continental congress. The continental congress is was a convention of delegates called together from the Thirteen Colonies which became the governing body of the United States during the American Revolution.

declaration of independence

1776

This is a big moment in time. This moment will be remembered not only by Jefferson, but the world. Jefferson writes The Declaration of Independence.

picture

1777

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Dunlap_broadside_copy_of_the_United_States_Declaration_of_Independence%2C_LOC.jpg/486px-Dunlap_broadside_copy_of_the_United_States_Declaration_of_Independence%2C_LOC.jpg

governor

1779

Jefferson decides to continue his political career. He decides to run for governor. He wins and becomes the governor of Virginia.

death of wife

1782

Jefferson is heartbroken. His wife, Martha, was weakened by the physical strain of so many pregnancies. She dies at the age of 33.

picture

1790

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Seal_of_the_United_States_Congress.svg/2000px-Seal_of_the_United_States_Congress.svg.png

political journey continues

1790

Thomas Jefferson has a life of politics. No one had a doubt in there mind that he would not continue. He ran for secretary of state. He strives to do more political jobs. This is only the beginning.

picture

1795

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/Official_Presidential_portrait_of_Thomas_Jefferson_%28by_Rembrandt_Peale%2C_1800%29.jpg

VP

1796

Jefferson continues his career to no surprise. He served as VP for John Adams. He stays in office as VP with Adams until 1801.

president

1801

Jefferson is inspired by his love and time in the white house. He decides to run for president. He becomes the 3rd president of the United States.

picture

1802

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/White_House_DC.JPG

Lewis and Clark expedition

1804

The Lewis and Clark expedition is launched. Jefferson had such a great time in the office, he runs again. He will complete the next four years as president. He served his presidency for eight years.

Author

1815

Jefferson wrote many books. He decides that he wants to sell his books. Who better to sell them to than the Government? One of the books was called, "The Jefferson Bible."

picture

1824

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/Old_Cabell_Hall_and_Homer_University_of_Virginia.jpg

new university

1825

Jefferson founds the University of Virginia. He designed the whole campus with his granddaughter Cornelia. The mascot is the cavalier.

death

1826

Thomas Jefferson dies at the age of 83. He died in Monticello on July 4th, the 15th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He died of unknown causes.