Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was a prominent American Founding Father known for his pivotal role in shaping the United States during its early years.
He is perhaps best recognized as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States.
Jefferson’s legacy extends beyond his political leadership; he was a scholar, architect, and advocate for education and individual rights. This brief introduction highlights his multifaceted contributions to American history and culture.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1743 | Thomas Jefferson is born in Shadwell, Virginia. |
| 1760 | Jefferson begins attending the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. |
| 1767 | He graduates from college and begins studying law under George Wythe. |
| 1768 | Jefferson is admitted to the Virginia bar and starts practicing law. |
| 1769-1775 | Serves in the Virginia House of Burgesses and becomes involved in colonial politics. |
| 1775 | Jefferson is elected as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. |
| 1776 | June 11 – Jefferson is appointed to a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. July 4 – The Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, largely written by Jefferson. |
| 1779-1781 | Jefferson serves as the Governor of Virginia during the American Revolutionary War. |
| 1784 | Jefferson is appointed as a minister to France. |
| 1789-1797 | Serves as the first Secretary of State under President George Washington. |
| 1797-1801 | Jefferson is Vice President of the United States under President John Adams. |
| 1801-1809 | Thomas Jefferson becomes the third President of the United States, serving two terms. |
| 1803 | The United States completes the Louisiana Purchase from France during Jefferson’s presidency. |
| 1804-1806 | Lewis and Clark Expedition explores the newly acquired western territory with Jefferson’s support. |
| 1807 | Jefferson signs the Embargo Act, an attempt to protect American interests by limiting trade with foreign nations. |
| 1813-1815 | Serves as Rector of the University of Virginia, a school he helped establish. |
| 1826 | On July 4, Thomas Jefferson dies at his home, Monticello, in Virginia, just hours before John Adams, on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. |
| 1826 | Jefferson’s grandson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph, publishes “Memoir, Correspondence, and Miscellanies: From the Papers of Thomas Jefferson,” a posthumous collection of Jefferson’s writings. |
| 1865 | The Thomas Jefferson Foundation purchases Monticello and begins preservation efforts. |
Timeline of Thomas Jefferson
1743: Thomas Jefferson is born in Shadwell, Virginia
On April 13, 1743, Thomas Jefferson was born in Shadwell, Virginia, in the British American colonies. He was the third of ten children born to Peter Jefferson, a successful planter and surveyor, and Jane Randolph Jefferson, a member of a prominent Virginia family.
1760: Jefferson begins attending the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia
In 1760, at the age of 16, Jefferson began his higher education at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. During his time at college, he pursued a classical education and developed an interest in subjects like mathematics, science, and philosophy.
1767: He graduates from college and begins studying law under George Wythe
After completing his studies at William and Mary, Jefferson embarked on the study of law under the mentorship of George Wythe, a respected Virginia lawyer and judge. This apprenticeship was a common path to becoming a lawyer during that era.
1768: Jefferson is admitted to the Virginia bar and starts practicing law
In 1768, Thomas Jefferson was admitted to the Virginia bar, officially becoming a lawyer. He began practicing law in Virginia and established a legal career that would eventually lead him into politics.
1769-1775: Serves in the Virginia House of Burgesses and becomes involved in colonial politics
During this period, Jefferson became increasingly involved in colonial politics. He was elected as a representative to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1769.
In this role, he became known for his opposition to British taxation policies and his support for colonial rights. Jefferson’s involvement in politics would eventually lead him to the Continental Congress and a central role in the American Revolution.
1775: Jefferson is elected as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress
In 1775, Thomas Jefferson was elected as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress, which convened in Philadelphia. It was during his time in the Continental Congress that Jefferson’s talents as a writer and his commitment to the cause of American independence became evident.
1776: June 11 – Jefferson is appointed to a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence
On June 11, 1776, Thomas Jefferson was appointed to a committee tasked with drafting a formal declaration of independence from Great Britain.
Jefferson, known for his eloquence and writing skills, was chosen to write the draft. The final version of the Declaration of Independence, which he authored, was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
This document eloquently articulated the principles of liberty, equality, and the right to self-determination and became a cornerstone of American democracy.
1779-1781: Jefferson serves as the Governor of Virginia during the American Revolutionary War
During a critical period in the American Revolutionary War, from 1779 to 1781, Thomas Jefferson served as the Governor of Virginia. He faced significant challenges during his tenure, including the invasion of Virginia by British forces led by General Benedict Arnold.
Despite these challenges, Jefferson’s leadership during the war demonstrated his dedication to his home state and the cause of American independence.
1784: Jefferson is appointed as a minister to France
After the American Revolution, Jefferson was appointed as the United States Minister to France. His time in France allowed him to witness the early stages of the French Revolution and deepen his appreciation for European culture, particularly in the realms of art, science, and politics.
1789-1797: Serves as the first Secretary of State under President George Washington
In 1789, Thomas Jefferson accepted the position of Secretary of State in the newly formed federal government, serving under President George Washington.
As Secretary of State, he played a key role in shaping the nation’s foreign policy and was a prominent advocate for a limited federal government.
1797-1801: Jefferson is Vice President of the United States under President John Adams
During the presidency of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson served as Vice President of the United States from 1797 to 1801.
This period was marked by political tensions between Jefferson’s Democratic-Republican Party and Adams’ Federalist Party, laying the groundwork for a competitive two-party system in American politics.
1801-1809: Thomas Jefferson becomes the third President of the United States, serving two terms
In 1801, Thomas Jefferson became the third President of the United States, serving two terms in office from 1801 to 1809. His presidency is often referred to as the “Jeffersonian Era” and is notable for several significant accomplishments and policies.
1803: The United States completes the Louisiana Purchase from France during Jefferson’s presidency
One of the most consequential events during Jefferson’s presidency was the Louisiana Purchase. In 1803, he negotiated the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million, effectively doubling the size of the United States and opening up vast new lands for westward expansion.
1804-1806: Lewis and Clark Expedition explores the newly acquired western territory with Jefferson’s support
Jefferson commissioned the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, to explore and map the newly acquired western territories, known as the Louisiana Territory.
The expedition helped gather valuable information about the geography, flora, fauna, and indigenous peoples of the region.
1807: Jefferson signs the Embargo Act, an attempt to protect American interests by limiting trade with foreign nations
In an attempt to protect American interests and avoid foreign entanglements, Jefferson signed the Embargo Act of 1807. This law prohibited American ships from trading with foreign nations, which had a significant impact on the U.S. economy and led to widespread opposition.
1813-1815: Serves as Rector of the University of Virginia, a school he helped establish
After his presidency, Thomas Jefferson served as the Rector of the University of Virginia from 1813 to 1815.
He played a central role in designing the curriculum and the architecture of the university, and he believed that education was essential for a well-informed citizenry and the success of the republic.
1826: On July 4, Thomas Jefferson dies at his home, Monticello, in Virginia, just hours before John Adams, on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 1826, Thomas Jefferson passed away at his beloved home, Monticello, in Virginia. Remarkably, he died on the same day as another Founding Father and former President, John Adams, which was the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Jefferson’s death marked the end of an era in American history, and his legacy continued to influence the nation’s development.
1826: Jefferson’s grandson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph, publishes “Memoir, Correspondence, and Miscellanies: From the Papers of Thomas Jefferson,” a posthumous collection of Jefferson’s writings
Following his death, Jefferson’s writings and correspondence were published posthumously. Perhaps the most notable publication was “Memoir, Correspondence, and Miscellanies: From the Papers of Thomas Jefferson,” which was edited and published by his grandson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph.
These writings provided valuable insights into Jefferson’s thoughts on various topics, including politics, philosophy, and science, and further cemented his status as a prominent intellectual figure in American history.
1865: The Thomas Jefferson Foundation purchases Monticello and begins preservation efforts
In 1865, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation was established. The foundation’s primary purpose was to purchase and preserve Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s historic estate in Virginia.
The preservation efforts aimed to maintain the architectural, historical, and cultural significance of Monticello for future generations. Today, Monticello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts.