Thomas Jefferson's Era

The 3rd President

Mar 4, 1801

Thomas Jefferson is inaugurated as the third president of the United States, becoming the first president inaugurated in Washington, D.C. He also tied with Aaron Burr.

Washington incorporated

May 3, 1802

Congress officially incorporates Washington as a city, empowering Jefferson to appoint the mayor.

Raising the American flag

Dec 20, 1803

The French flag is lowered in New Orleans and the U.S. flag raised, symbolizing the transfer of the Louisiana territory from France to the United States.

Louisiana Territory Act

Mar 16, 1804

Congress passes the Louisiana Territory Act, dividing the Louisiana Purchase into the Territory of Orleans in the south and the district of Louisiana in the north.

Treaty of Peace and Amity in Tripoli

Jun 4, 1805

The United States and Tripoli sign a Treaty of Peace and Amity in Tripoli, effectively ending the Tripolitan War.

Prohibiting British imports

Apr 18, 1806

In protest against the seizure of American ships and the impressment of American sailors by Britain, Congress passes a law prohibiting the importation of many British products into the United States.

Aaron Burr arrested

Feb 19, 1807

Aaron Burr is arrested near Fort Stoddart, Alabama, in connection with his alleged conspiracy against the government.

The Bayonne Decree

Apr 17, 1808

Napoleon issues the Bayonne Decree, authorizing the French seizure of all U.S. vessels entering French and Italian ports and all ports of the Hanseatic League. Napoleon conveniently argues that his action helps the United States enforce its new policy prohibiting trade with other nations.