Thomas jefferson architecture biography examples

Upon seeing Monticello in an unfinished state, Margaret Bayard Smith, a friend of Thomas Jefferson, wrote that Jefferson replied, “Architecture is my delight, and putting up and pulling down, one of my favorite amusements.” Monticello remained in a state of “putting up and pulling down” for roughly forty years as enslaved craftsmen and free artisans turned Jefferson’s designs into an icon of American architecture, famously featured on the back of the United States’ nickel.

Influenced from his readings in ancient and contemporary architectural writings, Jefferson gleaned the best from both his readings and his observations in Europe, creating in his architectural designs a style that was uniquely American. 

Father of our National Architecture

As Secretary of State, Jefferson was responsible for the design of the Federal City in Washington, D.C.

Working with Major Pierre Charles L’Enfant, Jefferson helped to design the lay out for the c