Thomas Jefferson
The third president of the United States who wrote the Declaration of Independence and bought the Louisiana Territory.
What is it?
Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) was an American founding father. He was the main author of the Declaration of Independence. As president, he bought the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803, which doubled the size of the US. He also founded the University of Virginia. The Gateway Arch honors his role in westward expansion.
Why it matters
Jefferson helped create the United States and expand it westward. His ideas about freedom and government still influence America today.
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