Unique among American presidents, Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was not only a statesman but a scholar, linguist, writer, philosopher, political theorist, architect,
engineer, and farmer.

In Europe, he was praised as the foremost American thinker of his time.

In the United States, he is remembered primarily as the author in 1776 of the Declaration of Independence.

After retiring from government service, Jefferson founded the University of Virginia,
which opened in 1825.

He died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of
Independence.

As one of the founders of the Democratic party, along with Andrew Jackson, he has been
honored since 1936 by the Democratic National Committee, which often sponsors official
dinners in various locations across the country known as "Jefferson-Jackson Day
Dinners."

Sometimes these dinners are held on January 8, the anniversary of the Battle of New
Orleans.

At the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, April 13 was observed for many years as
Founder's Day, but in 1975 the date was shifted to early fall.

There is a formal academic procession, after which an address is given by a nationally
known figure.

This is also the day on which the Thomas Jefferson Award is give to a leading member of
the university community.

A birthday commemoration is held each year at Monticello, Jefferson's home in Virginia,
as well as at the Jefferson Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C.

Full story:
https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Jefferson%27s+Birthday

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