Birth of Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743, in Shadwell, Virginia, to Peter Jefferson and Jane Randolph Jefferson.
1743
1760
Thomas Jefferson Enters College of William & Mary
In 1760, Thomas Jefferson enrolled at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he studied mathematics, philosophy, and law.
1767
Thomas Jefferson Admitted to the Virginia Bar
Thomas Jefferson was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1767, beginning his career as a lawyer.
1772
Marriage to Martha Wayles Skelton
Thomas Jefferson married Martha Wayles Skelton on January 1, 1772. The couple had six children, only two of whom survived to adulthood.
1776
Drafting the Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
1785
Minister to France
Thomas Jefferson succeeded Benjamin Franklin as the United States Minister to France, serving from 1785 to 1789.
1790
Secretary of State
Thomas Jefferson was appointed the first Secretary of State by President George Washington, serving from 1790 to 1793.
1797
Vice President of the United States
Thomas Jefferson served as Vice President under John Adams from 1797 to 1801.
1801
Thomas Jefferson Becomes President
Thomas Jefferson was inaugurated as the third President of the United States on March 4, 1801.
1803
Louisiana Purchase
During Thomas Jefferson's presidency, the United States completed the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, doubling the size of the nation.
1804
Re-election as President
Thomas Jefferson was re-elected as President of the United States in 1804, serving a second term until 1809.
1819
Founding of the University of Virginia
Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819, envisioning it as an institution of higher learning free from religious influence.
1826
Death of Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, at his home in Monticello.
1833
Publication of Jefferson's Writings
The first comprehensive collection of Thomas Jefferson's writings was published in 1833, edited by his grandson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph.
1943
Jefferson Memorial Dedicated
The Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C., was dedicated on April 13, 1943, the 200th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's birth.
