19 Totally Mind-Blowing Facts

Jefferson was the US's 3rd President. He served two terms from 1801-1809 and had previously written The Declaration of Independence for the U.S. in 1776. He served as Secretary of State under George Washington from 1790-1793. 

It was under Jefferson that the U.S. purchased the Louisiana Territory from France and sent Lewis and Clark out on their famous expedition. He became a leader in the Enlightenment and after his presidency he founded the University of Virginia. His love for knowledge, architecture, invention, science, religion, and philosophy led him to found the university in the first place. He wasn’t known for being a powerful orator, but he was a phenomenal writer. 

He was a polymath, which means he spoke 5 languages. He kept strong communication between the U.S. and Europe. He is quoted as saying, “I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage, with my books, my family, and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post which any human power can give.” He was referring to the Presidency. It proved to be an occupation that was more than he wanted. His second term was not near as smooth as his first.

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