Thomas Jefferson - biography.

Thomas Jefferson - biography. 3rd president of the United States Birth April 13, 1743 Death July 4, 1826 Home State Virginia Party Democratic-Republican Term In Office 1801-1805 1805-1809 Vice President Aaron Burr George Clinton Significant Attempted to remove several federal judges that President John Adams appointed in the final hours of his term. Acts Declared war on Tripoli in 1801 over the payment of tribute to protect American ships. Acquired the Louisiana Purchase, a vast territory west of the Mississippi, for $15 million in 1803. Organized the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which explored the central and northwestern territories of the United States from 1803 to 1806. Signed the Embargo Act of 1807 to protest the forcible impressment of American sailors by the French and English navies. Career 1769 Served as a delegate to the Virginia House of Burgesses. 1775-1776 Served as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. 1776 Drafted and signed the Declaration of Independence. 1776 Became delegate to the Virginia General Assembly. 1779 Elected Governor of Virginia. 1784-1789 Acted as American minister to France. 1789-1793 Served as secretary of state under George Washington. 1793-1801 Served as vice president under John Adams. 1801-1809 President of the United States. 1819 Founded the University of Virginia. Did You Know Although he expressed his opposition to slavery, Jefferson owned slaves throughout his lifetime. Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was an accomplished farmer, lawyer, architect, inventor, naturalist, philosopher, and scientist. The present collection of the Library of Congress began with the purchase of Jefferson's personal library. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.