Thomas Jefferson was the primary draftsman of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, the nation's first secretary of state and the second vice president (under John Adams ). As the third president.

December 28, 1800 ·Electoral returns reveal a tie between Burr and Jefferson. January 31, 1801 ·John Marshall named Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. February 11, 1801 ·House of Representatives convenes to break tie between Burr and Jefferson. February 17, 1801 ·Jefferson named President on thirty-sixth ballot.