Thomas Jefferson's Respect For Native American Culture

Thomas Jefferson was a fundamental figure in the formulation of early American history and life. He is sometimes given a bad reputation because of his relationships with saves. However, in his work "Query XI," Jefferson takes an empathetic stance towards one of the most degraded minorities in the United States, Native Americans. Jefferson praises their nations and compares them to other civilized nations; however, the Native Americans lack certain symbolic structures and idols to testify to their glory. In response, Jefferson posits the idea that the burial mound is one of the greatest monuments of Native American culture. Where they lack in opulence, they make up for in practicality and numbers.

"Great societies cannot exist without government," Jefferson explained how the Native Americans have an unconventional legal system, but that there is still one in place. For this, Jefferson resects these native peoples rather than coming to commonly held conclusions of the time. Jefferson expressed his sympathy for the tragic history of Native American peoples after the arrival of the Europeans, showing his empathy towards a minority.

And so to remember the legacy, both the tragic and glorious aspects which come with it, the burial mound should be looked at with more significance than a practical resting place. It represents all which the Native American people have gone through. They are a constant reminder of how great these cultures once were, and how they were so negatively affected by the arrival of European settlers. Rather than looking at these "barrows" as a sign of the Native American's inferiority, Jefferson believed that they should be looked upon with respect as we expect our monuments to be viewed. They are the most common memorial to a culture and way of life that was nearly extinguished.