Thomas Jefferson, the Expansionist

The third choice as part of the Memorial was Thomas Jefferson who, as a skilled writer, was the author of the Declaration of Independence which has enkindle a search for freedom for many other nations.

In 1803 it was Thomas Jefferson who, through his wisdom, secured the Louisiana Territory from France. Napoleon needed money for a war with Britain and sold this land for $15 million. This amounted to 3 cents per acre. Known now as the "Louisiana Purchase," this was to open expansion to the West. This area consisted of what is now part of Louisiana, Arkansas, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.

This led to the exploration of the West by Lewis and Clark.