From Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia Created: late 18th to early
19th century Materials: ebony handle with steel blade
Dimensions: L: 16.5 (6 1/2 in.); W: 1.7 (11/16 in.) Location:
Monticello's Visitor Center Owner: Thomas Jefferson Foundation
Accession Number: 1927-34-4 Historical Notes: Over the course of
his life, Jefferson made hundreds of drawings, ranging from
rather wobbly freehand sketches to measured drawings on
coordinate paper. He drew plats, maps, city plans, garden
designs, and furniture, as well as sections, elevations, and
floor plans for numerous buildings. He may have learned the
rudiments of drafting from his father, the surveyor and mapmaker
Peter Jefferson. Upon his father's death Jefferson inherited his
mathematical instruments, which certainly included the tools for
drawing maps and plats. As with scientific instruments,
Jefferson preferred English-made drawing instruments. His first
recorded purchases are from London firms in 1786. As late as
1806, Jefferson purchased drawing instruments