Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom - by Michael Aubrecht (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Jefferson's Legacy of Freedom for the Old Dominion Prior to his death Thomas Jefferson left behind specific instructions for the obelisk monument that was to mark his grave. He requested the following epitaph: Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, Author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom and Father of the University of Virginia. These contributions were in his words the "testimonials that I have lived, I wish most to be remembered." It is curious that with all his contributions he chose to note his authorship of a minor state law. Jefferson crafted this statute, not in Philadelphia or one of the other busy cities of the day, but while staying in a small Virginia town on the Rappahannock River named Fredericksburg. /Local historian Michael Aubrecht tells the tale of the creation of this remarkable document and the impact it continues to have.

Review Quotes

A Legacy of Freedom

Aubrecht's work is masterfully researched. As is the case with any effective work of history, the work is truly based on extensive primary source research, chiefly the papers and correspondence of Jefferson. Scholars examining topics relating to religion in Colonial and Early America will find value in mining Aubrecht's bibliography. Michael Aubrecht's Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom: Faith & Liberty in Fredericksburg will be of interest to anyone interested in Early American history and is a must read for scholars researching religious attitudes during this fascinating and complex period. - Timothy Willging, Historian, Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Aubrecht has brought the story of Religious Freedom in Fredericksburg to a new light! In a city with history in virtually every corner, Thomas Jefferson and the Statute for Religious Freedom, almost always gets overlooked. Not anymore! Aubrecht has written a highly detailed, and highly readable account of Jefferson in Fredericksburg, and one of America's founding documents. - Tyler McGraw (aka The Unfiltered Historian)

...the relationship between spiritual matters and the state remains a contested issue, so Michael Aubrecht's book is highly relevant in today's political discourse.

Aubrecht's work is masterfully researched. As is the case with any effective work of history, the work is truly based on extensive primary source research, chiefly the papers and correspondence of Jefferson. Scholars examining topics relating to religion in Colonial and Early America will find value in mining Aubrecht's bibliography.

About the Author

Michael Aubrecht is an experienced author, historian and producer with a genuine passion for preserving and presenting the past through film and the written word. Michael has written multiple books, including Historic Churches of Fredericksburg: Houses of the Holy and The Civil War in Spotsylvania: Confederate Campfires at the Crossroads. He has published many articles for print and online magazines, including Patriots of the American Revolution and Emerging Civil War. Michael cowrote and produced the documentary The Angel of Marye's Heights, hosts the YouTube series The Naked Historian and manages the Facebook page "Today's History Lesson."