Thomas Jefferson was born to a wealthy family. His family owned a large plantation. They had many slaves. Growing up, Thomas was well educated. He graduated from college. He became a lawyer.

When Thomas was 14 years old, his father died. His father left him a large amount of land and some salves. After he became a lawyer, he returned to his land. There he built Monticello, his home and plantation.

Thomas married Martha in 1772. Together they had six children. Only two children lived to be adults. Martha died in 1782.

Thomas Jefferson is known for many things. He wrote the Declaration of Independence that started the Revolutionary War.

When Jefferson was president, the United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France. That purchase doubled the size of the United States. He also sent Lewis and Clark to explore the northwest.

Thomas Jefferson was a brilliant man. He was a writer, an architect, and an inventor. One of his inventions was the swivel chair. Another was the lazy Susan. Jefferson died on July 4, 1826 at the age of 83.

Today, his face is on the nickel and the two-dollar bill. Jefferson's face is also carved on Mt. Rushmore.