1743: Born in Virginia

1762: Graduates from College of William and Mary

1769-74: Serves in Virginia House of Burgesses

1776: Authors the Declaration of Independence

1779-81: Serves as governor of Virginia

1785-89: Serves as minister to France

1790-93: Serves as secretary of state

1797-1801: Serves as vice president

1801-9: Serves as third U.S. president

1803: Louisiana Territory is purchased from France for $15 million dollars

1804: Lewis and Clark expedition begins

1807: Embargo Act forbids American ships to leave American waters

1819: University of Virginia is founded

1826: Dies in Virginia