Thomas Jefferson: A Founding Father

Written by: Paige Leal

Thomas Jefferson was an important leader in American history. He was born on April 13th 1743 and died July 4th 1826. Jefferson was a father to 6 kids (only two lasted into adulthood) and a husband to Martha Wayles Skeleton. He helped shape the United States as a nation through his ideas, writings, and leadership. Jefferson was the third president of the United States, a Founding Father, and the main author of the Declaration of Independence, a document that continues to symbolize freedom today

Growing Up

Thomas Jefferson was born in Albemarle County, Virginia on April 13th 1743.  He was the third of 10 children, raised by Peter and Jane Jefferson, his parents. Peter Jefferson was a planter, surveyor, and slaveowner who taught young Thomas about surveying, nature, and managing land before dying when Jefferson was 14. 

When he was 16, Jefferson went to get a college level education at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg Virginia. He studied law and became a lawyer, doing jobs such as being elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses and then he built and managed the Monticello plantation. 

What he did for America 

Thomas Jefferson was very involved in helping shape the world into the laws we have today, in 1776 he was one of the main authors for the Declaration Of Independence, a document that is now one of the biggest symbols of freedom in history. A key thing written in this document that is so important is that “all men are created equal” which gave Americans the freedom of governing themselves. 

Jefferson had many lead roles in America, he was a Secretary of State, moved on to be a Vice President, leading to his biggest role of President. One of his best achievements when in office was The Louisiana Purchase, buying land from France. This is important to America because Jefferson doubled the nation, opening up area for exploration and opportunities. 

Legacy 

Through Thomas Jefferson’s writings and leadership, he has left an impact that will last for generations. Because of his work, America became a nation that values freedom, equality, and self-government, and grew into a much larger country. His influence on the United States remains powerful, from his role in writing the Declaration of Independence to his presidency and the Louisiana Purchase.

Thomas Jefferson's ideas and actions helped build the foundation of the United States as we know it today!