Thomas Jefferson

This passage is about our country's third president, Thomas Jefferson.

Lexile Level: 420L

Categories: History People & Places

Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States. Jefferson was born and raised in Virginia. He was born in 1743. Jefferson was the main author of the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence was the document that said the British colonies in America wanted to be their own country. Before that, the colonies in America were ruled by Britain. Jefferson was a good writer. The Declaration of Independence became very famous. Jefferson was Secretary of State under George Washington. Then he was elected Vice President in 1796. He served under President John Adams. Jefferson was elected President in 1800. He served two terms as President. He left office in 1809. Jefferson was very smart. He studied literature, law, and architecture. Architecture is the design of buildings. He designed his own home at Monticello in Virginia. He founded the University of Virginia. The University of Virginia opened in 1825. Jefferson died 1826.