Lived

April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826

Home State

Virginia

Party

Democratic-Republican

Vice President

Aaron Burr; George Clinton

Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence and served as the third President, completing the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and doubling the nation's territory. His administration commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition, fought the Barbary pirates, and reduced the national debt. Jefferson's presidency also embodied deep contradictions: he championed liberty while owning more than six hundred enslaved people and fathering children with Sally Hemings. His Embargo Act of 1807 damaged American commerce, but the Louisiana Purchase and the ban on the international slave trade reshaped the continent. Virginia planter and lawyer, delegate to the Second Continental Congress, Governor of Virginia, Minister to France, first Secretary of State under Washington, and Vice President under Adams.

College of William & Mary (1762); read law under George Wythe.

Completed the Louisiana Purchase (1803), doubling U.S. territory. Commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Reduced the national debt. Fought the First Barbary War to protect American shipping. Founded the University of Virginia after his presidency. Signed the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves (effective 1808) and the Embargo Act of 1807.

Owned over 600 enslaved people across his lifetime and fathered children with the enslaved Sally Hemings. His Embargo Act of 1807, intended as economic pressure against Britain and France, devastated American commerce. Federal removal pressure on southeastern tribes intensified under his administration.