Thomas Jefferson believed that the government should be frugal in its expenditures. President Barack Obama advocated for “a wise and frugal government,” one that in his first inaugural address. He was successful in keeping government expenses to a minimum and taxes at a low level. To him, it was unacceptable for farmers … Read more
In Charlottesville, Virginia, Thomas Jefferson was the third of ten children born to Peter Jefferson and Jane Randolph on April 13, 1743. His father, a planter and surveyor by trade, was of Welsh ancestry. Jefferson’s family moved to Tuckahoe in 1745 and resided for seven years before returning to Albemarle County, where … Read more
Thomas Jefferson served as the primary draftsman of the United States Declaration of Independence, as the nation’s first secretary of state, and as the nation’s second vice president during his time in the presidency (under John Adams). Jefferson continued to serve as the third president of the United States, during which he … Read more
In Philadelphia, John Adams was sworn in as the nation’s second president on March 4, 1797. Vice President will be Thomas Jefferson. Domestic Policies Adams’s style was essential to delegate domestic matters to Congress and exercise personal control over foreign policy. Not only was the President charged with foreign policy by the … Read more
President John Adams’ wife, Abigail Adams, served as an unofficial adviser throughout his career. Their letters show him seeking her advice on a variety of issues, including his presidential ambitions. After her husband was elected president in 1797, Adams remained a supportive spouse and confidante, and her eldest son, John Quincy, would … Read more
In Braintree, Massachusetts Bay, British America, on October 30, 1735, John Adams, Jr. was born to John Adams, Sr., and Susanna Boylston. His father was John Adams, Sr. and his mother was Susanna Boylston. He was the eldest of three brothers. Adams’ father was a farmer and cobbler who served as a … Read more
George Washington was the first president of the United States of America, led the army that secured the country’s independence, an act of perseverance, courage, and vision that aided in forming a republic centered on the idea of representative government. Discover the establishments named after and built to honor his contributions that … Read more
John Adams was a direct descendant of Massachusetts Bay Colony Puritan colonists. He attended Harvard University, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and was admitted to the bar in 1758. John Adams was a member of the First Continental Congress in 1774, where he helped draft the Declaration of Independence. Adams was … Read more
George Washington was born in Pope’s Creek Estate in Westmoreland County, Virginia, near present-day Colonial Beach on February 22, 1732. They belonged to the moderately prosperous middle-class landed gentry, primarily of English descent. Augustine Washington, his father, was a tobacco planter with several properties in various locations. He also dabbled in iron … Read more
Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was George Washington’s wife- the first president of the United States. Although she was the first “First Lady” of the United States, the title was not coined until after her death. Known as Lady Washington during her lifetime, Martha was a gracious hostess who entertained the president’s many … Read more
While George Washington became President of the United States, he almost established two crucial foreign policy rulings. He took command of negotiations with a hostile power, in this case, the Creek Nation of Native Americans, and then requested approval from Congress once they were completed. Furthermore, he dispatched American envoys to the … Read more
George Washington was the Virginia plantation owner who became the United States’ first president after serving as a general and commanding officer of the colonial armies during the American Revolutionary War. He served from 1789 to 1797. Learn more about the policies of George Washington here. Early Life and Family On February … Read more