Description
The Thomas Jefferson collection
contains correspondence and documents; architectural drawings, plans, and surveys; accounts;
and notebooks dating from 1764 to 1826. The bulk of the collection is correspondence
pertaining to various aspects of Thomas Jefferson's political career, family life, and
interests. Architectural drawings, plans, and surveys primarily relate to land and
properties in Virginia, with many representing Monticello and the surrounding
area.
Background
Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743-July 4, 1826), the third president of the United States,
was born at Shadwell, Virginia, the son of farmer, surveyor, and enslaver Peter Jefferson
(1707/08-1757) and Jane Randolph Jefferson (1720-1776). Jefferson attended the College of
William & Mary in Williamsburg from 1760 to 1762; he studied law following his
graduation and was admitted to the bar in 1767. From 1769 to 1775, he served in the Virginia
House of Burgesses. In June 1775, Jefferson became a delegate to the Second Continental
Congress, where he was tasked with drafting a declaration of independence from Great Britain
in June 1776. He was governor of Virginia during the Revolutionary War, from 1779 to 1781,
and in 1783 was elected to Congress as a delegate from Virginia. From 1784 to 1789,
Jefferson lived in France, first as a member of the commission appointed to negotiate
commerce treaties with European countries, then as U.S. minister to France, returning to the
U.S. as the French Revolution was underway. While in France, he published Notes on the State
of Virginia (1785). In 1790, he was appointed secretary of state in the George Washington
administration, serving until 1793. Jefferson was vice president of the U.S. from 1797 to
1801 in the John Adams administration.
Extent
47.3 Linear Feet
(39 boxes, 3 volumes)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
RESTRICTED. Available with curatorial approval. Requires extended retrieval and delivery
time.