Thomas Jefferson's interests and talents covered an amazing range. He was one of the foremost architects of his time, a scientific farmer, and an inventor. His interest in natural science led him to help finance the excavation of a mammoth. His excellent library became the nucleus of the Library of Congress. He drafted Virginia's civil code, and founded its state university. After all but single-handedly writing the Declaration of Independence, he served as Governor of Virginia, and then as the country's first Secretary of State, its second Vice-President, and its third President.

Chronology of His Life and Career

	April 13, 1743	Born at Shadwell, the family farm in Albemarle County, Virginia.
	~1745	Moved with family to Tuckahoe.
	1762	Graduated from William and Mary College.
	1762-1767	Studied law under George Wyeth.
	1767	Admitted to the bar.
	1769	Began building Monticello.
	1769-1774	Served in the Virginia House of Burgesses.
	1770	The main house at Shadwell burned to the ground; moved to Monticello.
	January 1, 1772	Married Martha Wayles Skelton.
	1774	Became the owner of the Natural Bridge.
	1775-1776	Served in the Second Continental Congress.
	1776-1779	Returned to the Virginia House of Delegates.
	1779-1781	Served as Governor of Virginia.
	September 6, 1782	Mrs. Martha Jefferson died.
	1783-1785	Served in the Continental Congress.
	1785-1789	Served as Minister to France.
	1789	Named Secretary of State.
	1796	Elected Vice-President of the United States.
	1800	Elected President of the United States.
	1809	Finished construction of Monticello.
	1819	Founded the University of Virginia.
	July 4, 1826	Died at Monticello.

See Also

Virginia
Secretary of State

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This page was last updated on August 30, 2018.