Thomas Jefferson Correspondence

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), one of the founders of the United States, was born into a family of high social standing in Albemarle County, Virginia. His father, Peter Jefferson, was an agriculturalist who had a 1,900-acre plantation, on which he primarily grew tobacco and wheat. Thomas inherited the entire family estate upon his father's death in 1757. He attended the College of William and Mary, and also studied law under George Wythe. Jefferson was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1767.

Jefferson was best known for his career in public service, which began when he became a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1769. Other major positions Jefferson held in public office include delegate to the Second Continental Congress; governor of Virginia; foreign minister to France; Secretary of State; Vice President of the United States; and President of the United States. Among Jefferson's greatest accomplishments as President were the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition, both of which enabled the country to expand and develop.

Despite a long career in public service, Jefferson never lost his strong interest in agriculture. He had begun his career as an agriculturalist at the age of 21, when he was legally able to take over his father's estate. As a statesman, he represented himself as a farmer. In addition to his inheritance, Jefferson owned over 5,000 acres in Albemarle County that he maintained as a plantation. The home farm within this plantation was Monticello, which was atop a mountain.

After the end of his second term as President in 1809, Jefferson retired to Monticello. In his retirement, Jefferson advised Presidents Madison and Monroe, and also helped found and design the University of Virginia.