History Dual CreditPeriod 1The third president of the United States, a diplomat, statesman, architect, scientist, and philosopher, Thomas Jefferson is one of the most eminent figures in American history. No leader in the period of the American Enlightenment was as articulate, wise, or conscious of the implications and consequences of a free society as Thomas Jefferson.Thomas Jefferson was born April 13, 1743 (April 2, old style), on the farm called Shadwell, adjoining what is now Monticello, in the county of Albermarle, Virginia.The date of his birth was unknown to the public until after his decease. Repeatedattempts had been made to ascertain it by formal applications to him on variousoccasions, both by individuals and public bodies; but from scruples of a patrioticnature, he always declined revealing it and enjoined the same privacy upon his family.The principles which determined him on this subject were the great indelicacy andimpropriety of permitting himself to be made the recipient of a homage, soincompatible with the true dignity and independence of the republican character, andthe still greater repugnance which he should feel at seeing the birthday honors of the Republic transferred in any degree, to any individual.Soon after his inauguration as President in 1801, he was waited on by the Mayor and Corporation of the city of Washington, with the request that he would communicatethe anniversary of his birth, as they were desirous of commemorating an event whichhad conferred such distinguished glory upon their country. He replied, "The onlybirthday which I recognize is that of my country's liberties." In August, 1803, hereceived a similar communication from Levi Lincoln on behalf of a certain associationin Boston, to which he replied: "Disapproving myself of transferring the honors andveneration for the great birthday of our Republic to any individual, or of dividing themwith individuals, I have declined letting my own birth...
