5 Surprising Facts About Thomas Jefferson

You probably know Thomas Jefferson was the author of the Declaration of Independence. You might know he was the author of the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom that formed the basis of freedom of religion in the First Amendment, that he founded the University of Virginia, or served as the third president. You might be surprised to know these additional facts about Jefferson.

1. He was a paleontologist before that science had a formal name.

Mastodon Mandible

Jefferson collected fossils and was fascinated by the animals that once roamed North America, especially the mammoth. He even had the bones of a mastodon (now displayed in the Monticello Entrance Hall) sent to him during his residence in the President's House in Washington, DC.

2. He was an architect.

Detail of Jefferson's Floor Plan for Monticello

Aside from designing his main home, Monticello, and "vacation" home, Poplar Forest, Jefferson designed the University of Virginia and the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond.

3. He was a wine aficionado.

Monticello's Wine Cellar

Jefferson imported large quantities of French and European wine to his home. He is recognized as one of the great wine experts of early America and even tried to grow wine grapes in two vineyards at Monticello.

4. He was a founding foodie.

Recipe for Ice Cream in Jefferson's hand

In addition to wine, French food inspired Jefferson’s palate, from the cooking within his home to his presidential dinner parties. Jefferson's menus popularized some of America’s most beloved foods, like ice cream and mac 'n' cheese, prepared by enslaved chefs at Monticello and other residences.

5. He was obsessed with books.

Books at Monticello

During his lifetime, Jefferson amassed what was likely the largest personal collection of books in the United States. When the British burned the Capitol Building, including the Library of Congress, during the War of 1812, Jefferson sold his personal library to Congress, containing almost 6,500 volumes, at a fraction of its original value as a replacement.