When was Thomas Jefferson born and where was he born?
Thomas Jefferson was born on the 13th of April 1743 at the Shadwell Plantation in the Colony of Virginia. He was the third of ten children born to Peter Jefferson and Jane Randolph.
Questions about Thomas Jefferson
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What role did Thomas Jefferson play in writing the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson began writing the Declaration of Independence on the 11th of June 1776 at the age of 33. The Congress voted unanimously to ratify the document on the 4th of July 1776 and delegates signed it on the 2nd of August.
How long did Thomas Jefferson serve as governor of Virginia?
Thomas Jefferson served as governor of Virginia from 1779 until 1881. During his tenure he faced a British invasion led by General Benedict Arnold and drafted the Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom.
What happened to Thomas Jefferson during his time in France?
Thomas Jefferson served as Minister to France from 1784 to 1789 and became a central figure in American diplomacy. He brought his enslaved woman Sally Hemings to Paris where she became pregnant by him in 1787.
How did Thomas Jefferson become president of the United States?
Thomas Jefferson was elected president on the 17th of February 1801 after the House of Representatives broke an electoral college tie between him and Aaron Burr. He served as president from 1801 to 1809 and oversaw the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
When did Thomas Jefferson die and what was his legacy regarding slavery?
Thomas Jefferson died on the 4th of July 1826 the same day as John Adams. He was a leading proponent of democracy and natural rights yet owned large numbers of slaves throughout his life.