006 Thomas Jefferson - One Minute History

Thomas Jefferson was born near Charlottesville, Virginia, and inherited a plantation he named Monticello. He began his political career in law school, was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses, and married Martha Skelton. Jefferson wrote a political pamphlet and was elected to the Second Continental Congress, where he drafted the Declaration of Independence. He served as governor of Virginia, ambassador to France, and the first Secretary of State. After losing to John Adams, he became vice president and later defeated Adams to become the third U.S. president. His presidency included the First Barbary War, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Jefferson died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with Sally Hemmings, the mother of six of his children, by his side.

Where was Thomas Jefferson born?

• Monticello, Virginia

• Charlottesville, Virginia

• Richmond, Virginia

• Williamsburg, Virginia

What was the name of the property Jefferson inherited and developed?

• Monticello

• Montpelier

• Mount Vernon

• Ash Lawn

Which document did Jefferson draft during the Second Continental Congress?

• The Federalist Papers

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Bill of Rights

Which position did Jefferson hold before becoming vice president?

• Secretary of State

• Governor of Virginia

• Secretary of the Treasury

• Chief Justice

What major land acquisition did Jefferson oversee as president?

• The Gadsden Purchase

• The Oregon Treaty

• The Louisiana Purchase

• The Alaska Purchase