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Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) – Author of the Declaration of Independence; Third President.
Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743 in Virginia. A brilliant and curious man, he taught himself several languages, studied law, architecture, science, and music, and read constantly throughout his life.
At just 33, Jefferson was chosen to draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776. His soaring words about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness became the founding ideals of the nation. He later served as the first Secretary of State, the second Vice President, and the third President.
As President, Jefferson doubled the size of the country with the Louisiana Purchase and sent Lewis and Clark to explore the West. He founded the University of Virginia and designed its buildings himself, along with his famous home, Monticello.
Jefferson was a complex figure: a champion of liberty who also enslaved people. Studying his life gives kids an honest look at both the ideals and the contradictions of the founding era.
Did You Know?
- He and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the Declaration was adopted.
- He had a personal library so large it became the start of the Library of Congress.
- He invented several gadgets, including a swivel chair and a machine to copy his letters.
Free Printables: Thomas Jefferson
Full Profile (PDF)
A printable profile of Thomas Jefferson with his portrait, the story of their life, and a Did You Know section. Free for personal and homeschool use.
Bring American History to Life
If your kids love stories like these, our Exploring America’s Ghost Towns Curriculum takes them on a 414-page, K-12 journey through the real places and people who built the American West. It weaves history, geography, language arts, and more into a secular, open-and-go curriculum you can teach with confidence. Approved for many ESA and scholarship programs. Explore the curriculum here.
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