# Was Thomas Jefferson a Plagiarist? **URL:** **By** George H. Smith **Published:** August 13, 2014 --- Jefferson drew on a rich intellectual tradition when he drafted the Declaration of Independence. But did he draw directly from contemporary works, as well? [Originally published in essay form on November 15, 2011.](https://www.libertarianism.org/essays/excursions/was-thomas-jefferson-plagiarist) _Narrated by James Foster._