Topic: Jefferson's Public Life & Politics
Engraving of the Declaration of Independence
Engraving of the Declaration of Independence.
Jefferson and Slavery
About 100 slaves lived and worked at Monticello at any given time. They plowed the fields, planted the wheat, and drove the wagons. They cared for the hogs and cows. Household slaves prepared food for Thomas Jefferson and his family. They washed his clothes and cared for his children. Despite writing the words "all men are created equal," Jefferson was a life-long slave owner who held over 600 humans in bondage throughout his lifetime.
Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence
In early May, 1776, Jefferson traveled to Philadelphia to be a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. After a week’s journey, he arrived in Philadelphia. He was thirty-three years old, the youngest member of the Congress.
The Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull
Engraving of the painting “The Declaration of Independence” by John Trumbull depicting the Committee of Five presenting the Declaration to the Second Continental Congress....
‘Edgehill’ portrait of Thomas Jefferson
Painting of Thomas Jefferson by Gilbert Stuart
Map of the British Colonies in North America in 1763
This map by Carington Bowles shows the boundaries of the American colonies in 1763 following the French and Indian Wars.
Map of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
This map of the western part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was drawn by Samuel Lewis (no relation to Meriwether) using drawings supplied by William Clark.
Boundaries of the Louisiana Purchase
This map shows the boundaries of the Louisiana Purchase as recognized today. In 1802, the U.S. and its territories occupied most of the land to east.Thomas Jefferson: President of the United States
In 1800, Thomas Jefferson ran for president of the United States. John Adams also wanted to be president. Jefferson and Aaron Burr ran as Republicans. John Adams and Charles Pinkney ran as Federalists. There were many differences between the two groups.Republicans felt that the government belonged to all the people. They believed most people could…
