Thomas Jefferson had many, many talents and interests.
Jefferson is best known for the ways he served his country. He was one of the founders of the United States. He wrote our nation’s first and most famous document: the Declaration of Independence. He also served as governor of his home state of Virginia. He later traveled to France to represent the new U.S. government. In 1800, he became our country’s third president.
But during his 83 years, Jefferson was many other things. He was a farmer, lawyer, lawmaker, architect, inventor, archaeologist, and musician. He enjoyed studying weather, plants, human and animal bones, and fossils. He was also a loving son, husband, father, and grandfather. He could read books in seven languages.
Thomas Jefferson thought of himself as an ordinary man. Was he ordinary, or was he extraordinary? Judge for yourself as you read on.
