Thomas Jefferson Facts For Kids
![](https://dev.theedadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/AdobeStock_118516528-660x400.jpeg)
Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States, serving from 1801 to 1809. He was a statesman, philosopher, architect, and an influential figure in the American Revolution. Born on April 13, 1743, in Shadwell, Virginia, Jefferson grew up on a tobacco plantation and quickly became interested in science, philosophy, and history. Here are some interesting facts about Thomas Jefferson for kids.
1. He Wrote the Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson is perhaps most famous for his role in writing the Declaration of Independence. He was only 33 years old when he was tasked with drafting the document that would declare the colonies’ independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, and is considered one of the most important documents in American history.
2. He Was a Skilled Architect
In addition to being a statesman, Jefferson was also an accomplished architect. He designed his home, Monticello, which sits on a hilltop near Charlottesville, Virginia. The house is a blend of neoclassical and Palladian architecture and features his famous octagonal dome. Jefferson also designed buildings for the University of Virginia, where he served as its founder and first rector.
3. Jefferson Was the First Secretary of State
After the Revolutionary War ended, Thomas Jefferson served as America’s first Secretary of State. In this role, he was responsible for handling relations with other countries and negotiating treaties. He was instrumental in securing the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States.
4. He Had a Love for Books
Jefferson was an avid reader and collector of books. He had an extensive personal library, which he sold to the government (in 1815) when it was burned by the British during the War of 1812. The books became the foundation for the Library of Congress.
5. He Was a Farmer
Jefferson loved farming and was very interested in agriculture. He experimented with new crops and farming techniques, including crop rotation and fertilization. He believed that farming was a noble profession and should be pursued by all Americans.
6. He Supported Religious Freedom
Thomas Jefferson believed in the separation of church and state and was a strong supporter of religious freedom. He wrote the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786, which was later the basis for the First Amendment to the Constitution.
7. He Passed Away on July 4th
Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, fifty years to the day after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson and his friend and fellow Founding Father, John Adams, both passed away on the same day, which was also the 50th anniversary of American independence.
In conclusion, Thomas Jefferson was a remarkable figure in American history, and his legacy continues to shape the country today. He was a man of many talents and interests, from politics and philosophy to farming and architecture. Kids can learn from his life and see that with hard work, curiosity, and a love of learning, anything is possible.