Library of Congress

Teachers

The Library of Congress > Teachers > Classroom Materials > Collection Connections > The Thomas Jefferson Papers

[Detail] Thomas Jefferson

Standards

Collection Overview

The Thomas Jefferson Papers at the Library of Congress represents the largest collection of original Jefferson documents in the world. The collection includes correspondence, books, financial accounts, and manuscripts. The material covers Jefferson's drafting of the Declaration of Independence, his position as governor of Virginia, his ministerial positions in Europe, and his two administrations as president including Jefferson's role in the Louisiana Purchase and the War of 1812. The collection documents the construction of the capitol city of Washington, D.C., and the sale of Jefferson's personal library to Congress in 1815.

In a hurry? Save or print these Collection Connections as a single file.

Special Features

These online exhibits provide context and additional information about this collection.

Historical Eras

These historical era(s) are best represented in the collection although they may not be all-encompassing.

  • Colonial Settlement, 1492-1763
  • The American Revolution, 1763-1783
  • The New Nation, 1780-1815
  • Expansion and Reform, 1801-1861

Related Collections and Exhibits

These collections and exhibits contain thematically-related primary and secondary sources. Also browse the Collection Finder for more related material on the American Memory Web site.

Other Resources

Recommended additional sources of information.

Search Tips

Specific guidance for searching this collection.

To find items in this collection, search by Keyword. The collection is organized into nine series by date.

For help with general search strategies, see Finding Items in American Memory.