[detail] Thomas Jefferson 
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Collection Overview
The Thomas Jefferson Papers at the Library of Congress represents the largest collection of original Jefferson documents in the world. The collection includes correspondence, books, financial accounts, and manuscripts. The material covers Jefferson's drafting of the Declaration of Independence, his position as governor of Virginia, his ministerial positions in Europe, and his two administrations as president including Jefferson's role in the Louisiana Purchase and the War of 1812. The collection documents the construction of the capitol city of Washington, D.C., and the sale of Jefferson's personal library to Congress in 1815.
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Special Features
These online exhibits provide context and additional information about this collection.
- American Sphinx: The Contradictions of Thomas Jefferson
- The Jamestown Records of the Virginia Company of London: A Conservator's Perspective
- Thomas Jefferson Time Line, 1743-1827
- Virginia Records Time Line, 1553-1743
Historical Eras
These historical era(s) are best represented in the collection although they may not be all-encompassing.
- Colonial Settlement, 1492-1763
- The American Revolution, 1763-1783
- The New Nation, 1780-1815
- Expansion and Reform, 1801-1861
Related Collections and Exhibits
These collections and exhibits contain thematically-related primary and secondary sources. Also browse the Collection Finder for more related material on the American Memory Web site.
- A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation, 1774-1873
- Continental Congress Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789
- George Washington Papers, 1741-1799
- Portraits of the Presidents and First Ladies, 1789-Present
- Temple of Liberty: Building the Capitol for a New Nation
- Thomas Jefferson Exhibit
- Words & Deeds in American History
Other Resources
Recommended additional sources of information.
Search Tips
Specific guidance for searching this collection.
To find items in this collection, search by Keyword. The collection is organized into nine series by date.
For help with general search strategies, see Finding Items in American Memory.
Last Updated: 11/03/2009