Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson lived in Paris for years as the US foreign
minister to France. This was after US independence was gained,
but before he became president.
A statue of Jefferson was dedicated in Paris in 2006 at the foot
of the Solferino Bridge:
I was surprised to learn that I had
actually passed his house in Paris many times without knowing
it. There is a plaque at 92 Champs Elysses noting his
residence. Thousands of Americans a year must pass by it without
realizing it...
ON THESE PREMISES LIVED
THOMAS JEFFERSON
UNITED STATES MINISTER TO FRANCE
1785-1789
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
1801-1809
AUTHOR OF THE AMERICAN
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
FOUNDER OF
THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
THIS PLAQUE WAS CREATED
APRIL 13, 1919
UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE FORMER STUDENTS
OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
SOLDIERS OF THE WORLD WAR
IN COMMEMORATION
OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE UNIVERSITY
Jefferson seemed to really love France, as shown in this quote from
his short autobiography:
"I cannot leave this great and good country without expressing my
sense of it's preeminence of character among the nations of the
earth. A more benevolent people, I have never known, nor greater
warmth & devotedness in their select friendships. Their kindness and
accommodation to strangers is unparalleled, and the hospitality of
Paris is beyond anything I had conceived to be practicable in a
large city. Their eminence too in science, the communicative
dispositions of their scientific men, the politeness of the general
manners, the ease and vivacity of their conversation, give a charm
to their society to be found nowhere else."
© KMGanga