Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, is a name heavily etched in American history. He is known for his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, his presidency, and his intellectual pursuits. However, even the most dedicated history buff might find there are lesser-known facts about this iconic figure that could surprise and delight.

A Philanthropic Polyglot

Jefferson was a walking encyclopedia. He had a command over several languages, such as Greek, Italian, Spanish, and French. He owned a personal library comprising more than 6000 books, a collection so impressive that, after the British burned the US Capitol in 1814, his library was purchased to restart the Library of Congress.

An Architect's Hand

Jefferson had a keen interest in architecture and he designed his own home, Monticello. This architectural marvel, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Some of his other works include the Virginia State Capitol and the original plans for the University of Virginia.

Invention Innovation

Thomas Jefferson was not simply a politician; his interests ranged across the spectrum of knowledge. An avid inventor, he conceptualized innovations such as the dumbwaiter for wine bottles, a revolving bookstand, and even improved the design of the plow. He constantly pursued advancements in farming, acknowledging agriculture as "the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment of man."

Life at Home

Perhaps, less known is Jefferson's unique home life. He kept a pet mockingbird named Dick, who often flew freely around his house. Jefferson was also recognized for his love of food, and he’s credited with popularizing a number of foods in the United States, including french fries and macaroni and cheese.

A Secret Cipher

In correspondence with his acquaintances, such as James Madison, Jefferson used an intricate code system. The "Jefferson Disk," or wheel cipher, was a unique design that had 26 rotating disks, each inscribed with the alphabet in a different order. This mechanism was later used by the US Army as a coding device.

In a nutshell, Thomas Jefferson was more than just a founding father and president. His extraordinary intellect painted him as a true Renaissance man, contributing to diverse areas like politics, architecture, and innovation. Every layer of his life offers fascinating insights about this beloved American icon.