Thomas Jefferson

1743-04-13 – 1826-07-04

Principal author of the Declaration of Independence and third President.

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Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), the first Secretary of State, and the third President of the United States (1801–1809). A passionate advocate for democracy and individual rights, he also founded the University of Virginia. His presidency included the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the nation.