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In
honor of Thomas Jefferson (250th birthday)
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| Tree species: |
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Quercus alba |
| Common name: |
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White Oak,
"Jupiter" |
| Location: |
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Rotunda |
| Date planted: |
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1993
(replaced 1996) |
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Thomas Jefferson, founder and architect of the University of
Virginia, was the nation's third president, from 1801-1809.
He graduated in 1762 from William and Mary and went on to continue
an education in law under George Wythe, first professor of law
in the nation. In addition to president, Jefferson served as
Governor of Virginia during the Revolutionary War, Vice President
of the United States from 1797-1789, Secretary of State from
1790-1793 and Minister to France from 1785-1789. While president,
Jefferson negotiated the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the territory
of the nation. He was the author of the Declaration of Independence,
helped to establish the separation of church and state and advocated
free public education. Jefferson would only sign the Constitution
unless a Bill of Rights was added as an amendment addressing
such issues as freedom of speech, assembly and practice of religion.
He was an accomplished writer, architect and inventor. He died
at the home he designed and built, Monticello, on July 4th,
1826. |
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