Discover Thomas Jefferson at Monticello

Learn more about Thomas Jefferson and Monticello at www.monticello.org

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) is best remembered as the author of the Declaration of Independence. The ideas of the Declaration — that "all men are created equal" and have a right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"— established the foundations of self-government and individual freedom in America. Jefferson's eloquent words of 1776 still inspire people around the world today.

Jefferson's actions were strongly influenced by the Enlightenment, the 18th-century movement stressing human reason, knowledge, and inquiry — and how they could be used to improve the human condition. The American democratic system was founded on Enlightenment principles.

In addition to his public service, Jefferson, an "enthusiast" in the arts and many branches of applied science, contributed to architecture, horticulture, ethnography, paleontology, archaeology, and other fields.