Thomas Jefferson was the 3^rd president of the United States, during the years 1801 through 1809. He lead a Democratic-Republican party. He married, went to college, and accomplished many things for the United States.

Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 at Shadwell, Virginia. He moved to Tuckahoe at 3 years of age. He went to a little school house, the only students were his three sisters and him. He was only 11 years old when his father died.

Thomas loved to read and write. For Thomas’ passion of books and education, he went to college. He learned history, literature, and more. He also danced well, and played the violin.

In March 1760, he enrolled in William and Mary’s College. He graduated in the year 1962. He left to study law. After five years of college he admitted to the bar; he began practicing law. In 1769 he was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.

Thomas married Martha Wayes Skeleton on January 1^st 1772. They had six children. Only 2 girls had normal lives. Martha died in the year 1782.

Before his years of presidency he had accomplished many things. In the year 1775 he was elected a delegate to the First Continental Congress. In 1776 he chose to write the Declaration of Independence. Freedom of religion was so important to Jefferson that in the year 1779 he introduced the "Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom" to the House of Delegates. In the bill Jefferson said," Almighty God hath created the mind free." The house finally passed the bill in 1786 while Jefferson was in Paris. In 1790-1793 he was Secretary of State under George Washington. In 1796 Jefferson accepted Democratic-Republican nomination for president, but was defeated by John Adams. In the year 1800 Thomas defeated Aaron Burn on the election of becoming president.

Jefferson was announced president in the year 1801. In 1803 the Louisiana Territory was purchased from France. In

the year 1804 Jefferson was elected a second term as president. Later, a Peace Treaty was signed with Tripoli, ending a four year war. Jefferson declared the importation of African slaves into the United States became illegal in the year 1808. The 1807 Enlargo Act, prohibiting exports and sailing to other ports was replaced by a law banning trade with Britain and France in 1809.

Thomas Jefferson retired in the year 1809. He left to his Virginia Estate, Monticello. Jefferson’s retirement years were busy. During this time, the Monticello work force crafted the plans for the house and gardens. In the year 1819 Thomas founded University of Virginia.

Thomas Jefferson died July 4, 1826, at his home estate, Monticello. When he died, all of his possessions, including Monticello were sold.