The University of Virginia (also called UVa) is a research university in Charlottesville, Virginia. It was founded by one of America's most prominent Founding Fathers, primary author of its Declaration of Independence, and third U.S. President Thomas Jefferson. Some time before his death, he insisted that his grave bear the words "Father of the University of Virginia" as one of the three greatest accomplishments of his life. Today, the university that bears his legacy is widely regarded as being one of the best institutions of higher learning in the United States.