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March 4, 1801: Jefferson Becomes President

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March 4, 1801: Jefferson Becomes President

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Thomas Jefferson was inaugurated as the 3rd President of the United States. In his inaugural address, he famously said 'We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists,' trying to bring the country together after a bitter election. This peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another was the first in American history.

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President Jefferson worked to make the federal government smaller, just as he had promised. He cut taxes, reduced the size of the army and navy, and eliminated many government jobs. Jefferson believed in a simple, limited government that didn't interfere too much in people's lives.

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Jefferson had to deal with pirates from North Africa who were attacking American ships and demanding tribute money. Instead of paying the pirates, Jefferson decided to fight back! He sent the U.S. Navy to protect American merchant ships in the Mediterranean Sea.

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This was Jefferson's biggest achievement! He bought a huge piece of land from France for $15 million, which doubled the size of the United States. The Louisiana Territory stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. Jefferson worried it might not be constitutional, but he did it anyway because it was such a great deal for America.

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Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on an amazing journey to explore the new Louisiana Territory. They traveled all the way to the Pacific Ocean, mapping the land, studying plants and animals, and meeting Native American tribes. Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman, helped guide them on their incredible adventure.

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The American people loved Jefferson so much that they re-elected him by a landslide! He won almost every state except Connecticut and Delaware. His vice president for his second term was George Clinton, replacing Aaron Burr who had caused trouble by killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel.

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When Britain and France were fighting each other, they both started interfering with American ships. Instead of going to war, Jefferson tried a different approach - he banned all American trade with foreign countries. Unfortunately, this hurt American businesses more than it helped, and it was very unpopular.

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During Jefferson's presidency, Robert Fulton successfully tested his steamboat on the Hudson River. This invention would revolutionize transportation and help America grow westward. Jefferson, who loved science and invention, was fascinated by this new technology.

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Jefferson signed a law that banned the importation of slaves from Africa, which took effect on January 1, 1808. While this was an important step, slavery itself remained legal in many states. This showed the complicated relationship Jefferson had with the issue of slavery.

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After eight years as president, Jefferson gladly returned to his beloved home at Monticello in Virginia. He was happy to give up the pressures of being president and return to his interests in science, farming, and reading. He had helped establish many important precedents for future presidents.

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Monticello (@tjmonticello) • Instagram photos and videos

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352 likes, 4 comments - tjmonticello on October 6, 2025: “Happy #WorldArchitectureDay 🏛️ Jefferson called Monticello his “essay in architecture,” and construction continued on the mountaintop well into his retirement. In 1809—forty years after work began—enslaved craftsmen and hired artisans completed the basement-level dependencies, such as the kitchen, smokehouse, and storage rooms. The final product is a unique blend of beauty and function, combining the best elements of the ancient and old worlds with a fresh American perspective. Celebrate World Architecture Day by planning your visit (link in bio) to learn more about Monticello as an icon of American architecture.”.