Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States, serving from 1801 to 1809. He was a key figure in the early history of the United States and is best known for drafting the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Jefferson was also a strong advocate for individual rights and freedoms, and he played a significant role in expanding the territory of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Additionally, he was a proponent of education and founded the University of Virginia. Jefferson's contributions to American history and his influence on the development of the nation are widely recognized and celebrated.