I wanted to share a Holiday which is Thomas Jefferson Day we celebrate on April 13th allowing us to celebrate the birthday of Thomas Jefferson. Celebrating Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday is a wonderful Homeschool Resource as we study Thomas Jefferson who was the third president of the United States giving us the opportunity to study all he did for our Country.
Thomas Jefferson held office from 1801 to 1809, Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Thomas Jefferson was one of the most influential Founding Fathers. Jefferson is also known for his promotion of the ideals of Republicanism in the United States.
During Thomas Jeffersons presidency, he oversaw major events in American history including the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Jefferson is remembered for many remarkable achievements. Thomas Jefferson’s most significant achievement was signing the Declaration of Independence.
People can only understand the significance of Thomas Jefferson Day once we understand how significant he was in the building of the United States. As a political philosopher, Jefferson associated himself with many intellectual leaders in Britain and France. Jefferson advocated for the separation of the Church and State and wrote the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.
Jefferson was renowned among other things, including being a horticulturist, Statesman, architect, archaeologist, author, inventor, and founder of the University of Virginia! In the early stages of his career, Jefferson practiced law and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1794, Jefferson wrote A Summary View of the Rights of British America. This was intended as instructions for the Virginia delegates to a national congress.
The pamphlet was a powerful argument for American independence. The summary also stated why Britain should relinquish its powers. The summary helped speed up the path to independence and marked Jefferson as one of the Founding Fathers of the new nation.
Since Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and a significant contributor to American political and civil culture, it was decided that Jefferson would write the first draft of the Declaration. Later on, the draft of the Declaration of Independence underwent some alteration but remained largely Jefferson’s work.
After Jefferson retired from public office, he founded the University of Virginia. Jefferson passed away on Independence Day, July 4, 1826. This day was also the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
LET”S CELEBRATE THOMAS JEFFERSON DAY
- Choose books and resources to read about Jefferson on Thomas Jefferson Day which can give you all of the information that you need to know about the former President.
- No, matter what book is your favorite read your book today and celebrate Thomas Jefferson who was an avid reader. Thomas Jeffersons vast library contained more than 6,500 books.
- In our Homeschool this morning I plan on having Charlie watch a documentary on Thomas Jefferson today.
FACTS ABOUT THOMAS JEFFERSON
- The Louisiana Purchase, a treaty/transaction with France, effectively doubled the size of the United States.
- Thomas Jefferson is credited with the first Ice Cream recipe recorded in America which consisted of six Egg Yolks, a half-pound of Sugar, two bottles of Cream, and one Vanilla Bean.
- Jefferson had a pet Mockingbird he named Dick.
- He acknowledged only two White House holidays which were Independence Day and New Year’s Day.
- Jefferson sold Congress his entire personal library of 6,707 titles for $23,950.
WHY PEPOLE LOVE THOMAS JEFFERSON DAY
- Thomas Jefferson Day presents us with the opportunity to learn more about the third president, who was also one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
- Celebrating Thomas Jefferson Day reminds us of the importance of education.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
