1806 State of the Union Address

The 1806 State of the Union address was delivered by the 3rd President of the United States Thomas Jefferson to the Ninth United States Congress on December 2, 1806. In this address, Jefferson discussed several major themes including foreign relations, national defense, and the growing tensions with Great Britain and France regarding maritime rights.

1806 State of the Union Address

Date	December 2, 1806 (1806-12-02)
Venue	House Chamber, United States Capitol
Location	Washington, D.C.
Coordinates	38°53′23″N 77°00′32″W
Type	State of the Union Address
Participants	Thomas Jefferson Aaron Burr Nathaniel Macon
Previous	1805 State of the Union Address
Next	1807 State of the Union Address

One of the central focuses of the 1806 address was the ongoing conflict between Britain and France, which continued to affect American shipping and trade. Jefferson expressed concern over the violation of U.S. neutrality, noting that American vessels had been seized and their crews impressed into service by foreign navies. Jefferson called for stronger defense measures, stating, "But such is the situation of the nations of Europe and such, too, the predicament is which we stand with some of them that we can not rely with certainty on the present aspect of our affairs."

Jefferson also emphasized the importance of the nation's economy and fiscal responsibility. He praised Congress for reducing the national debt while maintaining essential government services, and he advocated for continuing efforts to pay off public debt as a means to ensure long-term prosperity.

Additionally, Jefferson discussed relations with Native American tribes, the administration of the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, and the expansion of infrastructure, including the construction of roads and canals to support westward expansion.