Andrew Jackson was the 7th President of the America. He was seen as a mover and shaker who walked history's stage with giant steps. Andrew Jackson was the ideal embodiment of the unruly, ambitious and contentious era that followed the young nations birth. He was orphaned in his youth and was adopted by his uncle.
On In his journey from the Revolutionary battle field at age 13 to two terms in the White House, his unconventional, often controversial and always fiercely held principles and vision shook up politically, culturally, and on the field of battle.
He was loved and loathed, revered and reviled but seldom ignored. Whatever he did, he did boldly and with small regard for the consequences.
He was seen as the People's President as his campaigning was inclusive of the citizens of the country. He was the first President with a nickname: "old Hickory," courtesy of the troops he marched with who admired his staunch courage and iron will. He stonewalled the British, and engineered one of America's most successful military victories, at the Battle of New Orleans. He declared "Our Union" must be preserved in the face of rebellion. He played a pivotal role is America's westward expansion. However, his attitude towards slavery and Indian removal did not match his efforts in other aspects of his Presidency.
This home was built while Andrew and his wife Rachael were living there in a smaller timber house on the 1200 acre property. It was modified and added onto over the years. His wife moved in to the home for a short time before her death at age 61 years. Her husband at this time was the President elect. She was never the First Lady and the President took his niece with him to Washington. He never remarried. They had no children other own but adopted a nephew who was named Andrew Jackson 111. Whilst they had no biological children Andrew saved a native American boy whom he named Lyconya after a bloody fight and took him back to Tennessee and raised him as his own. During his marriage he and his wife took in several ward children. Following the birth of a son of one of Rachael's siblings they handed over the baby to the Jackson's who adopted him. His name was Andrew Jackson, Jr.
Rachael was one of 11 children and at age 18 married. But all accounts the marriage was unhappy and she left to live with her mother. She believed that her husband had filed for divorce. However, in those days divorce was not well understood and with the slow postal service she was not to know that the divorce had not been finalized. Its said that it was love at first site when they first met. They married and subsequently found out that Rachael was not divorced so was now seen as a bigamist, whore etc. It was seen as absolutely scandalous at this time. Sadly this set the stage for scandal that would haunt them all their days. They remarried and their love never faltered, embracing and sustaining them through their yeas.
Before the tour of the home we were given an introduction to the life of the Jackson's. On this day fourth grade school children in period costume were at points throughout the property to provide information about the home.
The home is a Greek Revival Mansion which had been subject to fires in the early days.
The dinning room which used to host 20 people on a daily basis. Andrew Jackson welcomed all to his home.
The bedrooms looked vey comfortable for the time.
The pantry and kitchen.
This is the home that they lived in while the Hermitage was being build.
There are several homes on the property which housed staff.
The gardens are magnificent. Andrew brought in a gardener to recreate and English garden. It is said that Rachael found great peace spending time in the gardens.
When Rachael passed the President blamed the stress and harassment his wife had to endure after being seen as a bigamist. He had this shrine build for her and were she lays today. It is said that he would come to the garden every evening and spend 30 mins of so with his beloved Rachael. Whist Andrew blamed the way his wife had been treated on her death it was more likely that she suffered from lung and heart problems.He now rests with her.
There is a small grave yard close by housing family and loyal friends. This is called a Tree Gavestone and popular at this time.
Here lies a fateful slave who was also a friend. His mother was the cook. He grew up and spent his whole life on the planation. He was sadly missed by the President.
The grounds are magnificent.
It was a a great visit and to learn more about what makes this country what it is.
Cheers,
Beverley and Ross
