- Died on the same date as president John Adams, 4 July 1826, exactly 50 years after the American colonies declared their independence from England.
- Although he owned slaves, he did agitate for abolition of slavery and tried to introduce language in the Declaration of Independence that would have called for its immediate abolition. Due to a backlash from southern states (led by South Carolina) that threatened to derail the entire independance proposal, he finally and very reluctantly struck the passages from the draft declaration.
- He was a supporter of the French Revolution.
- Became President-elect John Adams's Vice-President, despite being from opposing political parties. This was due to the fact that in early elections, there was no party "ticket" and instead the runner-up was given the post of vice-president.
- He hated the presidency so much that it was left off his headstone. It reads simply: "Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the statute of Virginia for religious freedom and father of the University of Virginia." However, a statue dedicated to him that sits in front of the state capitol building in Jefferson City, Missouri, does mention his presidency.
- The first of only four American Presidents without a First Lady during his entire time in office. At this time, Jefferson's daughter, Martha, informally served as "acting" First Lady by organizing his social schedule and welcoming guests. Eight other presidents have had someone other than their wives serving as acting First Lady during at least part of their presidencies.
- He spoke six languages.
- Pictured on the 2¢ United States postage stamp in the Liberty series, issued 15 September 1954 1948.
- Author of the United States Declaration of Independence.
- Second vice president of the United States, 4 March 1797 - 4 March 1801.
- Third president of the United States, 4 March 1801 - 4 March 1809.
- Pictured on a 29¢ United States definitive postage stamp in the Great Americans series, issued 13 April 1993.
- Invented the dumbwaiter, lazy Susan, pedometer, swivel chair, and folding chair. He also came up with Chicken a la King (chicken, peas and carrots in a white sauce) and Baked Alaska (a cake and ice cream concoction).
- He was asked to write the Declaration of Independence only after John Adams turned it down, saying he was too busy.
- Loved ice cream and served it frequently in his home.
- Elected to the Hall of Fame for Great Americans, 1900 (charter election).
- Under Jefferson, the United States nearly doubled in size, as France sold a vast tract of land to the fledgling country: the Louisiana Purchase.
- Contrary to popular belief, he had little say in the formation of the Constitution. During the time of the Constitutional Convention, he was serving as the American Ambassador to the Royal Court of Louis XVI.
- As well as being a politician and political philosopher, he was also a tireless inventor (much like his contemporary Ben Franklin) and created designs for the dumb-waiter (an early service elevator) and an improved sundial, as well as architectural designs for his home at Monticello. He was also deeply interested in science of all stripes and was a competent violin player.
- Cousin of Congressman John Marshall and Congressman William Segar Archer.
- Father-in-law of Gov. Thomas Mann Randolph and Sen. John Wayles Eppes.
- Governor of Virginia (1779-1781).
- United States Secretary of State (1790-1793).
- An Onondaga chief gave him the name of Karanduawn, meaning the Great Tree.
- Jefferson City, Missouri, actually became the state capital while Thomas Jefferson was still alive.
- He is among the tallest U.S. Presidents alongside his contemporary George Washington, Lyndon B. Johnson and Abraham Lincoln (who are both tied for the tallest).
- Had a reputation for wearing wacky, mismatched outfits. He also often received visitors while he was still in his pajamas. It is believed he did this as a way of distracting people from his poor speaking skills.
- He founded the University of Virginia.
- He was the first U.S. ambassador to France.
- After the War of 1812, Jefferson sold his personal library of more than six thousand books so that the Library of Congress could be restored. The British destroyed the library by setting fire to the Capital.
- He was an excellent writer and a notoriously bad public speaker due to being extremely shy.
- He led America's first ever Archaeological dig.
- He made major anti-slavery moves like abolishing importation of slaves into America, which was done at the same time as England's abolition and the enforcement of the West Africa Squadron. This ended the international slave trade from Africa, but internal slavery within America continued until Abraham Lincoln abolished it.
- Ancestor of Lee Marvin.
- Since his wife, Martha died before his Vice-Presidency and Presidency. She is the first so-called 'honorary' second lady (wife who was married to the vice-president at a different time they served) and 'honorary' first lady (wife who was married to president at a different time they served) of the U.S.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content