In 1843, Thomas Jefferson is born to one of the most powerful families in the most powerful of Britain's 13 North American colonies. After a privileged upbringing and the finest education, young Jefferson quietly prepares to lead the charge towards a burgeoning revolution.

As colonists become more disgruntled with British tyranny, Thomas Jefferson's words become a galvanizing push toward liberty. When colonists finally reach their breaking point, he is tasked with declaring independence in a document that will birth a  ew nation, a new way of governing, and become a tenant of democracy around the globe.

Just as Jefferson is sworn in as the governor of the new state of Virginia, war arrives on his doorstep. As an intellectual with no military background, he struggles to protect himself and his constituents in the face of British attacks. After a disastrous tenure as governor, Jefferson retires from politics only to face public humiliation and personal tragedy.