In his final years, Jefferson faced significant financial difficulties due to debt and mismanagement of his estate. He was forced to sell land and personal belongings to pay off his creditors. The cost of constructing and maintaining Monticello, coupled with economic downturns, contributed to his financial woes.

Jefferson died at Monticello on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. John Adams, his friend and political rival, also died on the same day. This coincidence was seen by many as a symbolic end to the era of the Founding Fathers.

After Jefferson's death, Monticello and his remaining enslaved people were sold to pay off his debts. This underscored the tragic irony of his legacy, as his ideals of liberty and equality were juxtaposed against his dependence on the institution of slavery.

Jefferson's legacy as a Founding Father, author of the Declaration of Independence, and advocate for liberty and democracy has endured for centuries. His ideas have inspired movements for freedom and self-government around the world. However, his complex and contradictory views on slavery continue to be a subject of debate and scrutiny, challenging his historical image and prompting ongoing reassessments of his place in American history. He continues to be seen as a crucial figure in American history and political thought.