Although it was customary at the time to organize books alphabetically, Jefferson preferred to arrange his by subject. A second library, stored in his retreat home, Poplar Forest, held another thousand volumes. At the time of his death in 1826, his “Retirement Library” contained 940 items. Jefferson responded, “There is in fact no subject to which a member of Congress may not have occasion to refer.” With the acquisition of Jefferson’s books, Congress doubled the size of its original library.Īfter selling his books, Jefferson began collecting again. The sale was controversial, however, as Jefferson’s books covered a broad number of subjects, more than some members of Congress deemed necessary. Congress purchased these books, numbering 6,487 volumes, for $23,950. When the British army burned the Congressional Library during the War of 1812, Jefferson offered his book collection as a replacement. His house, Monticello, included both a book room and a book room annex to store his collection, although books could be found throughout the house. Undeterred, he compiled a second library even more extensive than the first. When Shadwell burned down in 1770, Jefferson supposedly mourned his books most of all. Jefferson stored these volumes in his family’s home, Shadwell. He first began collecting as a young man, amassing books on topics ranging from history and law to travel and religion. Over the course of his lifetime, Thomas Jefferson collected nearly ten thousand books. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington-a 45,000 square-foot facility erected between 20 thanks to generous donations-houses Washington's books and manuscripts as well as important, early colonial titles. Half of his books were sold at auction, however, and are now the property of individual collectors and private institutions. The Boston Athanaeum purchased other volumes. The majority of these books were on military and political matters, ranging from works of Plato to those of contemporary political philosophers like Thomas Paine.Īfter Washington’s death, the Library of Congress acquired a portion of his library. His library boasted a host of different subjects including agriculture, philosophy, politics, history, and literature. He owned books in several languages including Latin, French, and Dutch. The contents of Washington’s library counter claims that he was uneducated. Accounts vary, but most agree that at its peak, Washington’s book collection contained around nine hundred volumes. An inventory of his library in 1764 listed just three hundred titles, yet Washington worked diligently for the rest his life to increase its holdings. George WashingtonĪlthough George Washington was considered “too illiterate, unlearned, unread for his station and reputation” by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, he cared greatly for books and created an impressive collection of his own. Today, as we celebrate the birthday of George Washington, let us salute the Founding Fathers not only for creating a great nation, but also for being the country’s first book collectors. Americans have indeed memorialized the Declaration of Independence as he envisioned however, the celebrations have been on July 4th -the date written on the Declaration of Independence-instead of July 2nd, the date the Second Continental Congress adopted the resolution of independence. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival… It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other.”Īdams was nearly correct in his prediction. On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife, “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America.
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