Few act so bold an entire time period are named for them. Controversial as he always was, Andrew Jackson was born fatherless and without fortune – a true self made man.
At thirteen he served in the Revolutionary War, became a national hero in the War of 1812, and moved to Nashville where he would become the states first congressman, then a senator, judge on the Supreme Court of the State, and president of the United States. Jackson helped in creating an American empire expanding the country from Florida to the Pacific Northwest. This fierce fighter intimidated natives and competing imperialists helping to form the boundaries of the nation we know today. He and his wife Rachel moved into The Hermitage, where they had their plantation.
Today the home and land are a museum and must see while touring the city. The museum in visitors center is well curated and filled with riveting history.
A lot of really interesting facts to find, Jackson was the only president that… paid off the national debt, raised a Native American child, and was held as a prisoner of war. Fun fact: Jackson had a pet parrot, Poll, who attended his funeral. Poll had to be removed after he started cursing at the mourners. There are artifacts such as a lock of Jackson’s hair, his glasses, and his carriage.
A guided tour of the Greek Revival brick mansion doesn’t allow photographs, but it helps you focus more on the story of Andrew and Rachel Jackson. Snap as many pictures as you want in the original hermitage, a log cabin farmhouse along with the many other buildings on the grounds including the slave cabins, store rooms, and smokehouse.
Exploring the grounds garden is one of the loveliest parts of the visit, especially in conjunction with the audio tour.
The many trees and flowers attract a surprising display of wildlife.
Keep your eyes peeled for migrating birds in the springtime.
It is here where the Jackson’s are buried.
The seventh president of the United States was such a force, every history class covers the Age of Jackson, and Old Hickory is a clear example of the rags to riches American dream.