Thomas Jefferson
April 13, 1743, Shadwell, Virginia, British America - July 4, 1826, Monticello, Virginia, United States
Tags
Statesman
Modern Era
American
I am Thomas Jefferson, born April 13, 1743, in Virginia. I held the pen that declared these colonies free and independent — and believed that an educated citizenry would safeguard that freedom for ages to come.
As President, I doubled a nation’s land with the Louisiana Purchase and sent Lewis and Clark westward. At Monticello, I sought balance: farmer, inventor, philosopher, builder of libraries and ideals alike.
What I Leave Behind
- I proved that the mind, once free, is the strongest bulwark of liberty.
- I showed that good government rests in the consent and reason of the governed.
- I remind every citizen: question authority, cherish freedom, expand knowledge.
Study well, govern lightly — and let freedom’s light never dim.