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Thomas Jefferson's Birthday

February 17

Thomas Jefferson's Birthday is marking the birth of one of America's Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States from 1801 to 1809.

Table of Contents

  1. When is Thomas Jefferson's Birthday?
  2. The History of Thomas Jefferson's Birthday?
  3. What Do People Do on This Day?
  4. Who is Thomas Jefferson?

When is Thomas Jefferson's Birthday?

Thomas Jefferson's Birthday, originally observed on April 13th to commemorate his birth in 1743, is no longer officially celebrated as a separate state holiday in Alabama. Instead, Jefferson is often recognized alongside George Washington on Presidents' Day, which is celebrated on the third Monday in February.

The following is the list of Thomas Jefferson's Birthday from 2020 to 2049.

HolidayDateWeekday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 17, 2020Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 15, 2021Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 21, 2022Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 20, 2023Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 19, 2024Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 17, 2025Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 16, 2026Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 15, 2027Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 21, 2028Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 19, 2029Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 18, 2030Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 17, 2031Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 16, 2032Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 21, 2033Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 20, 2034Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 19, 2035Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 18, 2036Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 16, 2037Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 15, 2038Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 21, 2039Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 20, 2040Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 18, 2041Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 17, 2042Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 16, 2043Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 15, 2044Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 20, 2045Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 19, 2046Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 18, 2047Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 17, 2048Monday
Thomas Jefferson's BirthdayFebruary 15, 2049Monday

The History of Thomas Jefferson's Birthday?

The celebration of Thomas Jefferson's Birthday has a history rooted in recognizing his contributions as a Founding Father, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and the third President of the United States.

Even during his lifetime, Thomas Jefferson was celebrated for his role in shaping the United States. His authorship of the Declaration of Independence (1776) and his presidency (1801–1809) made his birthday an occasion to honor his leadership, intellect, and vision for liberty.

Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This poignant event solidified his place in American memory and increased public interest in commemorating his achievements, including his birthday.

Jefferson's birthday, April 13, became an unofficial day of remembrance in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Virginia and among historians and civic groups. ome states, like Virginia and Alabama, formally observed April 13 as Thomas Jefferson's Birthday, honoring his contributions to American independence.

In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved many holidays to Mondays to create long weekends. George Washington's Birthday, celebrated on February 22, was shifted to the third Monday in February and widely rebranded as Presidents' Day. Over time, this day came to honor not only Washington but also other presidents, including Jefferson.

As part of this shift, many states discontinued celebrating Thomas Jefferson's Birthday as a standalone holiday. States like Alabama eventually merged the commemoration of Jefferson with Presidents' Day.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Thomas Jefferson's Birthday, people engage in a variety of activities to honor and reflect on his legacy.

Historical societies, universities, and public institutions host lectures and discussions about Jefferson's contributions to American history, politics, education, and architecture. Many schools incorporate lessons about Jefferson's life, including his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, his presidency, and his founding of the University of Virginia.

Events at historical sites often include the laying of wreaths at Jefferson monuments or statues, particularly in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Local events, especially in Virginia, include parades, public readings, and discussions celebrating Jefferson's influence on the state and the nation.

Many people take the opportunity to read Jefferson's works, including his letters, writings on governance, and the Declaration of Independence. Individuals and families may visit Jefferson-related landmarks such as Monticello, the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C., or the University of Virginia.

Who is Thomas Jefferson?

Thomas Jefferson was one of the most influential figures in American history. As a Founding Father, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and the third President of the United States (1801–1809), Jefferson's legacy is central to the formation of the nation.

Born in Shadwell, Virginia on April 13, 1743, Jefferson grew up in a wealthy plantation family. He studied law at the College of William & Mary and developed a lifelong passion for learning, especially in science, history, and philosophy. Jefferson practiced law and became involved in Virginia's colonial legislature, where he advocated for the American colonies' rights.

Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, articulating the American colonies' desire for freedom from British rule. The document's ideals of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" became foundational to American identity.

He served as the Governor of Virginia from 1779 to 1781, and the U.S. Minister to France from 1785 to 1789, where he strengthened Franco-American relations and observed the early stages of the French Revolution. Under President George Washington, Jefferson was the first Secretary of State, focusing on foreign policy and opposing Federalist policies led by Alexander Hamilton.

Jefferson served as third President of the United States from 1801 to 1809, and one of his major achievements was the Louisiana Purchase (1803), which doubled the size of the United States.

In 1819, Jefferson designed and founded the University of Virginia, reflecting his belief in public education as essential to democracy, which was considered as one of his greatest achievements.

Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, on the same day as John Adams, the second President of the United States.

Details

Date:
February 17
Event Category: