Thomas Jefferson Trivia

As we take a moment to celebrate Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, let’s also take a look at this week's brain teaser. You’ll find the solution at the end of the newsletter.

Logic Puzzle Question

On one bank of the river, we have Alex, Bob, Charlie, Derek, and some supplies, along with their respective weights:

Alex = 90 kg.

Bob = 80 kg.

Charlie = 60 kg.

Derek = 40 kg.

Supplies = 20 kg.

With a boat that can hold a maximum of 100 kg, what strategy can they use to transport everyone to the other side?

Thomas Jefferson Trivia

1. Even though Jefferson spoke out against slavery, he was the owner of more than 600 enslaved individuals.
2. Jefferson's legacy is etched with his top three accomplishments – writing the Declaration of Independence, crafting the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom, and establishing the University of Virginia. Interestingly, his time as president is notably missing from this list.
3. During his time at the College of William & Mary, Jefferson was part of the 'Flat Hat Club,' which is regarded as the first fraternity in the United States.
4. Jefferson was a father of six children, though only two lived beyond childhood.
5. Genetic studies indicate that Jefferson, or one of his close family members, fathered children with his enslaved woman, Sally Hemings.
6. Jefferson is among four U.S. presidents who have a state capital named in their honor, specifically Jefferson City in Missouri. The other three are Abraham Lincoln (Nebraska), Andrew Jackson (Mississippi), and James Madison (Wisconsin).
7. With a passion for architecture, Jefferson designed many structures, including his own residence at Monticello, the Capitol building in Richmond, and the University of Virginia.
8. A connoisseur of wine, Jefferson had wine brought in from Europe and cultivated two vineyards on his Monticello estate.
9. Jefferson amassed a significant collection of books. After the British destroyed the Library of Congress during the War of 1812, he sold his library to help replenish the lost volumes.
10. A talented violinist, Jefferson had proficiency in playing the instrument.
11. Jefferson initiated military action in North Africa, known as the First Barbary War, marking the first war fought by the United States on foreign soil.
12. In addition to sponsoring the Lewis and Clark expedition, Jefferson arranged three other exploratory journeys into the western parts of the United States.

Logic Puzzle Answer

There are multiple ways to approach the problem. Here’s one potential solution.

1. Charlie and Derek go over.
2. Derek comes back.
3. Alex goes over.
4. Charlie comes back.
5. Charlie and Derek go over.
6. Derek comes back.
7. Bob and supplies go over.
8. Charlie comes back.
9. Charlie and Derek go over.