History Brief - Thomas Jefferson

 Thomas Jefferson -  drafted the the United States Declaration of Independence and the nation’s first secretary of state (1789–94) and second VP (1797–1801) and, as the third US President (1801–09). He was responsible for the Louisiana Purchase. An early advocate of total separation of church and state (smart man) he founded and architect of the U of VA. 

Jefferson’s image has suffered as focus on racial equality has a more negative reappraisal of his ownership of slaves (he personally owned 600). This would include Jefferson’s deep conviction that  American society remain a white man’s domain (😳 OMG) 

Jefferson was one of America’s most problematic and paradoxical heroes. 

He was a book lover, a wine 🍷 expert an architect a prolific letter writer and a documented author. He developed many buildings and was the proud owner of Monticello. 

He is touted as the Democrats Democrat - although his deep rooted prejudices could bring that theory into question.