But Joseph Ellis points out that Thomas Jefferson’s reputation has suffered, especially among many historians. The reason, he says, is slavery. Jefferson owned over 150 slaves at Monticello.

“He wanted to take a high moral ground and say that he knew slavery was at odds with the values of the American Revolution and the American republic. A lot of people said that who were slave owners. But in the end, he says the federal government has no power whatsoever to do anything about it.”

Joseph Ellis says Jefferson was against mixing of the races in society because he thought it would threaten the American union. But he is believed to have had a relationship with a slave named Sally Hemings who lived at Monticello. In 1998 genetic evidence supported the idea that Jefferson fathered children with her many years after his wife died.

The historian says one reason people still find Jefferson interesting is the contradiction between his words in the Declaration of Independence and his personal actions.

“He is the most resonant figure in American history because he simultaneously wrote the magic words about freedom and individual rights and equality, and at the same time was embedded in the great sin of American history — slavery and racism. So that he stands astride the great paradox that is the history of America.”

On July 4th, 1826, Americans began celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. But then, from Boston, came news that former president John Adams had died. His last words were: "Thomas Jefferson still lives."