Thomas Jefferson Jefferson was born at Shadwell, his father's home in Albemarle county, Va., on April 13, 1743. His father, Peter Jefferson, a man of legendary strength, was a successful planter and surveyor who gained minor title to fame as an explorer and mapmaker. His prominence in his own locality is attested by the fact that he served as a burgess and as county lieutenant. Jefferson later held the same offices. Through his mother, Jane Randolph, a …showed first 75 words of 3837 total…

…showed last 75 words of 3837 total…he contributed significantly to its exploration. In his first term he projected the expedition to the Pacific that was concluded by Lewis and Clark during his second term. Other expeditions that he sent out failed or had slight geographical and scientific significance, but his title as the chief presidential patron of exploration remains unchallenged. Death Jefferson died on July 4th 1826, hours before his friend, John Adams, on the 50th anniversary of The Declaration of Independence.