1 Thomas Jefferson is known as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He helped the Americans to realize they needed to separate from Great Britain (England) and form the new nation. He was the main author of the Declaration of Independence.  Before becoming President of the United States in 1800, he was the Vice President under John Adams. 

2 He was born and educated in Virginia.  After graduating from college, he became a lawyer.  He helped to increase the new United States shipping trade as President.  He also organized the Louisiana Purchase which gave the United States more land as its own. He served two terms as President and is considered one of the greatest Presidents of the United States.