Valdese in Burke County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Thomas Jefferson

Circa 1776

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025

1. Thomas Jefferson Marker

Inscription.
April 13, 1743-July 4, 1826
Age: 44 Height: 6' 3" Weight: 181 lbs Hair: Reddish Eyes: Hazel

Thomas Jefferson was a statesman, diplomat, lawyer, architect, philosopher, farmer, and businessman.

Jefferson was a Founding Father who penned most of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. During the Revolution, he was the Governor of Virginia from 1779-1781.

In 1785, Jefferson was appointed the United States Minister to France. While there, he used libraries throughout Europe to research numerous forms of governments. He then forwarded that information, along with his thoughts, to James Madison, which aided Madison in writing the United States Constitution.

Thomas Jefferson served as the 3rd President of the United States of America from 1801-1809.

He died on the 4th of July, 1826, five hours after the death of his lifelong friend and adversary, John Adams.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Government & Politics • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1776.

Location. 35° 44.627′ N, 81° 33.861′ W. Marker is in Valdese, North Carolina,

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in Burke County. It is at the intersection of Main Street West (U.S. 70) and Faet Street Southwest, on the left when traveling west on Main Street West. The location of the marker and Jefferson is the Valdese Education Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 227 Main St West, Valdese NC 28690, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Mountains. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Charters of Freedom (here, next to this marker); Benjamin Franklin (a few steps from this marker); James Madison (a few steps from this marker); John Adams (a few steps from this marker); The Waldensians

Thomas Jefferson Marker and statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025

2. Thomas Jefferson Marker and statue

(within shouting distance of this marker); Waldensian Heritage Museum (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Waldensian Colony (about 600 feet away); Waldenses (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Valdese.

Wide view of Thomas Jefferson Marker and statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025

3. Wide view of Thomas Jefferson Marker and statue

Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 143 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 10, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.