Thomas Jefferson's beginnings in Virginia are detailed from his education at William & Mary, the building of Monticello, to his marriage and children. Jefferson is called to Philadelphia as a statesman, and to Paris as a diplomat. While Jefferson was laying the foundations of a new government and country, his work was tragically interrupted by a series of personal losses at his Monticello home.

As the third president of the United States, Jefferson was responsible for doubling the size of the country with the Louisiana Purchase. Jefferson's battles with the Federalist movement are explored; as well as his controversial relationship with his slave, Sally Hemings; his retirement to Monticello; and the ensuing personal tragedies that surrounded him towards the end of his life.