Andrew Jackson's Hermitage

Since my dad and I were in Nashville, we decided to take the quick drive over to The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's residence before and after his presidency.  The home that exists today is the one after his presidency.  His wife never knew this home as she passed away just prior to his presidency.

Jackson is known through history as the president for the common man.  But Jackson also owned many slaves and broke numerous treaties with the Indians who called the region home long before the European settlers did. The "Trail of Tears" happened under Jackson's watch.  So it was refreshing to also learn more information about this from the guides.  They give it to you straight here.

The guides shared the fascinating story of a slave, Alfred.  He was a long time slave of Andrew Jackson.  After Jackson's death he continued to live at The Hermitage.  When emancipation came about after the Civil War, the Hermitage had been made into a museum and Alfred worked as a guide.  Imagine that, working as a guide at the home where you once were a slave.  It's simply amazing the life that this man lived.  He is buried in the garden near Andrew Jackson's tomb.

The Hermitage is a great place to learn about all of this and more.  It's also a great place to walk around as the property is beautiful.  They recommend bringing in some food and drink for a picnic.  It's definitely one of those spots.

Andrew Jackson became the first president to win by electors via popular vote.  Before the election of 1828, most electors were determined by state legislators.  The average white male schlep voted and was pursued by the political parties of the day.  Without question, Andrew Jackson is one of the U.S.'s most consequential presidents in our history.

Historians rank Andrew Jackson as one of our great presidents.  I don't really understand why this is.  He inserted political hacks into the civil service as opposed to merit based appointments and removed those that did not conform to his politics.  He broke numerous treaties with the Indians and took aggressive approaches to removal unlike previous presidents.  He took on an expansionist policy, ultimately leading to more slave states.  He maintained the Union during the nullification crisis, but reduced dramatically internal improvements which would have potentially lead to more modernization throughout the country and ultimately lead to a non violent solution to slavery.  Instead his administration led to more sectional division and fractures in regards to slavery.