Thomas Jefferson's Milestones
Birth
Thomas Jefferson was born in Shadwell, Virginia, to Peter Jefferson and Jane Randolph.
Early education and inheritance
Received early education from tutors and Reverend James Maury; inherited land after his father's death.
Attended College of William & Mary
Studied mathematics, philosophy, and law at the College of William & Mary; mentored by William Small and George Wythe.
Legal apprenticeship and House of Burgesses
Read law under George Wythe, became a lawyer, and was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.
Began building Monticello
Started construction of Monticello, his lifelong home and architectural project.
Marriage to Martha Wayles Skelton
Married Martha Wayles Skelton; had six children, only two survived to adulthood.
Inheritance of slaves and debt
Inherited 135 enslaved people and significant debt after his father-in-law's death.
Drafted Declaration of Independence
Principal author of the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted on 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.
Governor of Virginia
Served as Governor of Virginia during the American Revolution, moved the capital to Richmond, and fled British raids.
Member of Congress
Served as Virginia delegate to the Congress of the Confederation; authored Land Ordinance of 1784.
Published Notes on the State of Virginia
Published 'Notes on the State of Virginia,' a major work on natural history, society, and government.
Minister to France
Served as U.S. Minister to France; witnessed the start of the French Revolution and developed key diplomatic relationships.
Relationship with Sally Hemings
Began relationship with Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman; fathered several of her children.
Secretary of State
First U.S. Secretary of State under George Washington; shaped foreign policy and co-founded the Democratic-Republican Party.
Vice President
Served as Vice President under John Adams; opposed Federalist policies and strengthened party leadership.
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.
Reconciliation with John Adams
Resumed correspondence and friendship with John Adams, exchanging 158 letters over 14 years.
Founded University of Virginia
Founded and designed the University of Virginia, serving as its first rector and shaping its curriculum.
Wrote autobiography
Wrote his autobiography, focusing on the revolutionary era and his public service.
Lafayette's visit to Monticello
Hosted Marquis de Lafayette at Monticello during Lafayette's celebrated U.S. tour; last public presentation.
Final years and debt
Struggled with declining health and mounting debt; sought to secure his estate for his heirs.
Death
Died at Monticello, Virginia, on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence; buried under an epitaph of his own writing.