Did Jefferson own slaves?

New research does not support this claim. I urge you to read the October 2012 article in Smithsonian magazine, "The Dark Side of Thomas Jefferson" which discusses evidence showing the widespread use of forced child labor, whipping of enslaved children, and selling of slaves at Monticello. read more

In U.S. history, the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and slavery was a complex one in that Jefferson passionately worked to gradually end the practice of slavery while himself owning hundreds of African-American slaves throughout his adult life. read more

Thomas Jefferson enslaved over 600 human beings throughout the course of his life. 400 people were enslaved at Monticello; the other 200 people were held in bondage on Jefferson’s other properties. At any given time, around 130 people were enslaved at Monticello. read more

Thomas Jefferson and Slavery • Slavery at Jefferson's Monticello - Online ExhibitionSlavery at Jefferson's Monticello - Online Exhibition • Jefferson's Attitudes toward Slavery read more