Thomas Jefferson's Milestones

Thomas Jefferson was a U.S. Founding Father, principal author of the Declaration of Independence, third president, and advocate for liberty, democracy, and expansion of the young nation.
1743

Birth

Thomas Jefferson was born in Shadwell, Virginia, to Peter Jefferson and Jane Randolph.

Family April 13, 1743
1752

Early education and inheritance

Received early education from tutors and Reverend James Maury; inherited land after his father's death.

Education January 1, 1752 - January 1, 1760
1760

Attended College of William & Mary

Studied mathematics, philosophy, and law at the College of William & Mary; mentored by William Small and George Wythe.

Education March 25, 1760 - April 1, 1762
1762

Legal apprenticeship and House of Burgesses

Read law under George Wythe, became a lawyer, and was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.

Career January 1, 1762 - January 1, 1769
1768

Began building Monticello

Started construction of Monticello, his lifelong home and architectural project.

Achievement January 1, 1768
1772

Marriage to Martha Wayles Skelton

Married Martha Wayles Skelton; had six children, only two survived to adulthood.

Relationship January 1, 1772 - September 6, 1782
1773

Inheritance of slaves and debt

Inherited 135 enslaved people and significant debt after his father-in-law's death.

Other January 1, 1773
1776

Drafted Declaration of Independence

Principal author of the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted on July 4, 1776.

Achievement June 11, 1776 - July 4, 1776

Virginia legislator and Bill for Religious Freedom

Served in the Virginia House of Delegates; authored Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom and revised state laws.

Career September 1, 1776 - June 1, 1779
1779

Governor of Virginia

Served as Governor of Virginia during the American Revolution, moved the capital to Richmond, and fled British raids.

Career June 1, 1779 - June 3, 1781
1783

Member of Congress

Served as Virginia delegate to the Congress of the Confederation; authored Land Ordinance of 1784.

Career June 6, 1783 - May 7, 1784
1785

Published Notes on the State of Virginia

Published 'Notes on the State of Virginia,' a major work on natural history, society, and government.

Achievement January 1, 1785

Minister to France

Served as U.S. Minister to France; witnessed the start of the French Revolution and developed key diplomatic relationships.

Career May 17, 1785 - September 26, 1789
1787

Relationship with Sally Hemings

Began relationship with Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman; fathered several of her children.

Relationship August 1, 1787
1790

Secretary of State

First U.S. Secretary of State under George Washington; shaped foreign policy and co-founded the Democratic-Republican Party.

Career March 22, 1790 - December 31, 1793
1797

Vice President

Served as Vice President under John Adams; opposed Federalist policies and strengthened party leadership.

Career March 4, 1797 - March 4, 1801
1801

President of the United States

Third President; completed the Louisiana Purchase, commissioned Lewis and Clark Expedition, ended the slave trade, enacted Embargo Act, and faced foreign and domestic challenges.

Achievement March 4, 1801 - March 4, 1809
1812

Reconciliation with John Adams

Resumed correspondence and friendship with John Adams, exchanging 158 letters over 14 years.

Relationship January 1, 1812 - July 4, 1826
1819

Founded University of Virginia

Founded and designed the University of Virginia, serving as its first rector and shaping its curriculum.

Achievement March 7, 1819 - March 7, 1825
1821

Wrote autobiography

Wrote his autobiography, focusing on the revolutionary era and his public service.

Achievement January 1, 1821 - December 31, 1822
1824

Lafayette's visit to Monticello

Hosted Marquis de Lafayette at Monticello during Lafayette's celebrated U.S. tour; last public presentation.

Other November 4, 1824 - November 15, 1824
1825

Final years and debt

Struggled with declining health and mounting debt; sought to secure his estate for his heirs.

Other March 8, 1825 - July 4, 1826
1826

Death

Died at Monticello, Virginia, on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence; buried under an epitaph of his own writing.

Other July 4, 1826