This holiday honors Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the US. Thomas Jefferson was a patriot, a member of the continental congress, and author of the Declaration of Independence. He was the third President of the United States, serving from 1801 to 1809. He was known as an advocate of religious freedom, and individual rights.

Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 in Shadwell Virginia. Both his parents were members of prominent wealthy Virginia families. He studied Law at William and Mary College, and was admitted to the bar in 1767. He served on the Virginia House of Burgess from 1769 to 1774. He was Virginia's representative to the First Continental Congress in 1775 and 1776. He served in various high government positions from 1776 until 1801, including Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State, Minister to France, and Vice President. During his term as President, he purchased France's Louisiana Colony for 15 million dollars. The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States. In 1819 he founded the University of Virginia. He died on July 4th, 1826.

Although Thomas Jefferson was a prominent figure in American history, his birthday is a minor observance in the US. It is a state holiday in Alabama and Oklahoma. At the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC, a commemorative service is held on this day. Also on this day a wreath laying ceremony is held at his house, the Montecello, in Virginia. Jefferson's Birthday is a day when it is traditional to fly the American flag.

Note: This holiday is one of Calendar Mine's over 500 built-in observances.

See Also

Holiday Catalogue

American (USA) Observances