John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both contributed to the founding of the United States.

Adams and Jefferson also shared many similarities:

• Both men received elite educations, studied law, and became members of their colonial legislatures.
• Both were delegates to the Continental Congress and served on the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence.
• Both served as foreign diplomats and eventually as presidents of the United States. Finally, both died July 4, 1826, on the country's fiftieth birthday.

Despite the fact that they were political rivals during their presidential years, they became reconciled in old age as they reflected on their mutual accomplishments. In fact, Adams is said to have spoken Jefferson's name moments before he died.