Thomas Jefferson, a pivotal figure in American history, is known for drafting the Declaration of Independence and serving as the third President of the United States. Understanding his origins provides valuable context to his life and principles. So, Where Was Thomas Jefferson Born?
Thomas Jefferson was born at Shadwell Plantation in Goochland County, Virginia. His birthdate is recorded as April 13, 1743, according to the Julian calendar then in use (April 2, 1743, according to the Gregorian calendar). Shadwell was not just his birthplace, but also his childhood home, shaping his formative years and early influences.
Shadwell Plantation was situated in what was then Goochland County, Virginia. However, in 1744, the area where Shadwell was located became part of the newly formed Albemarle County. Therefore, while technically born in Goochland County, Shadwell is historically associated with Albemarle County. It was located in the Piedmont region of Virginia, near present-day Charlottesville. This location placed young Jefferson in the heart of the Virginia colony, amidst the burgeoning planter society.
His parents were Peter Jefferson, a planter and surveyor, and Jane Randolph Jefferson, who came from a prominent Virginia family. Shadwell Plantation was a significant estate, reflecting the Jefferson family’s standing in colonial Virginia. Growing up at Shadwell, Jefferson was exposed to the life of a Virginia gentleman, including land management, agriculture, and the social and political currents of the time. This environment undoubtedly played a role in shaping his views on liberty, agrarianism, and statesmanship.
While Shadwell Plantation no longer stands today – it tragically burned down in 1770 – its location remains a point of historical interest for those seeking to understand Jefferson’s early life. It was on this land that the seeds of his revolutionary ideas and commitment to liberty were sown. Although Monticello became his more famous and enduring home, Shadwell holds the distinction of being where Thomas Jefferson was born, the starting point of an extraordinary life that profoundly impacted the course of American history.
