Library of Congress
Loc: Thomas Jefferson Exhibit
The Library of Congress has created an exhibit which focuses on the extraordinary legacy of Thomas Jefferson--founding father, farmer, architect, inventor, slaveholder, book collector, scholar, diplomat, and the third president of the...
Huntington Library
Huntington Library: The Corps of Discovery: The Lewis and Clark Expedition [Pdf]
In this lesson, 5th graders learn about westward expansion and the Lewis and Clark expedition. Includes background information for the teacher. Students explore primary and secondary resource readings on the Louisiana Purchase, President...
Huntington Library
Huntington Library: Six Important People From Our Nation's History
In this lesson, 5th graders examine the lives of six people who were important in early American history. They include Abigail and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and George Washington. Readings include...
Library of Congress
Loc: The Declaration of Independence: From Rough Draft to Proclamation
By analyzing the first draft of Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence through primary source documents, students can proceed to understand why a first draft was required, and why there are changes in the final version. There are...
Yale University
Avalon Project: Declaration of Independence: July 4,1776
Read the words for independence penned by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence. Then link to a discussion of the document by Jefferson in his own autobiography.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: Alexander Hamilton: The Man Who Made Modern America
[Free Registration/Login Required] A marvelous look at the life of Alexander Hamilton shown through primary documents in this interactive site.
University of Maryland
Howard County History Labs: Westward Expansion
Lesson plan assesses historical thinking skills by providing two primary sources on Thomas Jefferson's views on the constitutionality of the Louisiana Purchase.
Other
Restoring the Heart and Soul of America
A collection of quotes from famous Americans including: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson. Click on each of their names to get quotes from them.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Account of the Declaration: Jefferson's Story
Thomas Jefferson's account of events leading up to and the actions of the First Continental Congress, including information about the Committees of Correspondence which communicated through Circular Letters.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: Age of Jefferson and Madison
[Free Registration/Login Required] After a brief description of Thomas Jefferson's and James Madison's contributions to the early ideology and government of the new United States in their authorship of the Declaration of Independence and...
Department of Defense
Do Dea: Ap Us History: Unit 3: The Growing Republic
This extensive learning module examines how the United States' efforts to increase foreign trade, add new territory, and isolate itself from Europe affected its foreign policy and other initiatives. It investigates how advances in...
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Sally Hemings
By dividing Sally Hemings' life into four major stages, students will encounter the difficult choices forced upon enslaved women by an evil institution.
US Mint
U.s. Mint: Circulating Coins: Five Cent Coin (Nickel)
Read the complete history of the current circulating nickel. Find out about the symbols, size, and the metal composition of this coin.
University of Groningen
American History: Presidents: Letters of Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Pendleton
In this letter, which he wrote shortly after the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson describes to Edmund Pendleton how to set up the Virginia Legislature.
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: Aaron Burr Jr. (1756 1836)
This university-related site presents a detailed biography of Aaron Burr. Provides insights into the conflict between him and Alexander Hamilton, whom Burr eventually killed in a duel.
Library of Congress
Loc: Drafting the Documents
The Library of Congress provides us with a detailed description of what follows the drafting of the original Declaration of Independence. It provides us with information about what happens to the document after Thomas Jefferson's rough...
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: School Publishers: An Interview With Thomas Jefferson
"What do you think Thomas Jefferson was like as a person? What were his interests and hobbies? Where did he go to school? Imagine yourself as a reporter in 1826, about to interview Mr. Jefferson at Monticello, his home."
Cengage Learning
Houghton Mifflin: Thomas Jefferson (1743 1826)
Houghton Mifflin provides biographical information regarding Thomas Jefferson, including his involvement in the Declaration of Independence, the presidency, and much more.
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: Thomas Jefferson
This resource provides a biography of Thomas Jefferson that includes information on his early career, prelude to the presidency, and his presidency.
Digital History
Digital History: The Whiskey Rebellion [Pdf]
The Whiskey Rebellion was an early challenge to the new United States government. Read about the importance of whiskey in the back country and the need for the United States to find sources of revenues. This is a story of east vs. west,...
Digital History
Digital History: By What Right [Pdf]
Two opposing philosophies concerning the relationship between government and its citizens were expressed by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke in the 17th century. Compare these two philosophies and see how they were related to the colonists'...
Digital History
Digital History: Declaring Independence [Pdf]
Follow the steps that Americans took before declaring their independence from Britain. The Declaration of Independence set out the ideals and reasons behind this stunning move. Use the student exercises to understand the different levels...
Digital History
Digital History: The New Nation [Pdf]
Many problems existed for the new United States. Read about issues facing George Washington as the new President, and find out about the major successes of the first Congress. [PDF]
Digital History
Digital History: Hamilton and Jefferson the Men and Their Philosophies [Pdf]
Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton played a huge role not only in crafting important documents in U.S. history, but also by serving as secretaries in George Washington's first cabinet. Read about their diametrically opposing...