Thomas Jefferson

Jefferson was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses, the legislative assembly of the colony. This marked his entry into political life, where he quickly became involved in debates over colonial rights and British policies.

Jefferson began construction of Monticello, his iconic mountaintop home. This reflects his ambition and desire to create a personal space that reflected his tastes and philosophical ideals. The ongoing construction of Monticello would be a constant throughout his life.

Jefferson married Martha Wayles Skelton, a young widow. Their marriage brought him significant wealth and social standing, as Martha's dowry included land and enslaved people. Their relationship appears to have been deeply affectionate, though little direct evidence of their personal connection remains due to their efforts to protect their privacy.

Jefferson wrote 'A Summary View of the Rights of British America,' a pamphlet that articulated the colonists' grievances against British rule. This work established him as a leading voice for colonial rights and helped to galvanize support for independence. It argued that Parliament had no right to legislate for the colonies and that the colonies were only bound to the King through voluntary allegiance.

Jefferson was elected to the Second Continental Congress, which convened in Philadelphia. He joined other colonial leaders in debating the future of the colonies and considering options for resisting British authority. This position placed him at the center of the burgeoning revolutionary movement.