About Us

The Thomas Jefferson Gardens of Greene County bring to life the prairies that welcomed the Lewis and Clark expedition and early settlers to Greene County, the farming practices of Jefferson’s time, a children’s garden, outdoor musical instruments, and so much more. Our goal is to provide a place for all to enjoy the history, serenity and beauty within our gardens.

Thomas Jefferson Gardens of Greene County is a not-for-profit attraction open to the public and funded solely by donations. We encourage you to help us continue to tell the stories of the early United States. 

Our goal is to provide a place for all to enjoy the history, serenity and beauty within our gardens.

Wallace Teagarden, a longtime local resident and student of Jefferson’s life and principles wanted to connect our community with the legacy of the Founding Father. The Thomas Jefferson Gardens of Greene County was founded in 2010 to establish an educational, as well as cultural attraction to recognize the many influences Jefferson had on our country. Jefferson was a scholar of agriculture growing a variety of vegetation. He was fascinated by improving his crops and developing early plant genetics. Our goal is to honor his legacy.

Thomas Jefferson’s love of agriculture, exploration, and education influenced the founders of Jefferson, Iowa, to name our city after the third president of the United States. The principal author of the Declaration of Independence, governor of Virginia, and founder of the University of Virginia was a visionary whose leadership lead to the purchase of the Louisiana Territory, which includes the state of Iowa. His determination to discover the bounty of the New Continent was also the impetus for the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

of the Gardens

History