Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson was born in Waxhaw, South Carolina March 15, 1767, the son of Andrew and Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson. Only 9 years old when the Revolution broke out, Andrew, along with his younger brother, were captured by the British after fighting in the Battle of Hanging Rock. They contracted smallpox while in prison where Robert died, but Andrew's mother nursed him back to health. In 1781 Mrs. Jackson, who had been widowed before Andrews birth, contracted a fever and died, leaving 14 year old Andrew an orphan.

After a few years at Charleston and some experience as a schoolteacher, Andrew began to study law. Following 2 years of studies he moved to Jonesborough and was admitted to the bar. In 1788 he came to the new settlement of Nashville.

By 1815 Andrew was easily the most popular man in the State. His defeat of the Creek Indians at Horseshoe Bend in March of 1814 had been followed in January of 1815 by his smashing victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans.

As President, Jackson ruled with an iron hand, making enemies of many national leaders along the way. Among other things, he led the fight to kill the Second Bank of the United States, regularly opposing internal improvements of the national expense, introduced important administrative reforms in Federal agencies, put down the  nullification crisis of South Carolina and also removed the Indians from the Southeastern United States. His dictatorial actions created a strong opposition that united the Whig Party, and brought on a revolt against him in his own state. During his declining years in the Hermitage he tried continually to keep Tennessee in the Democratic Party, but met with little success. He died in 1845, and was buried at the Hermitage beside his wife, Rachel.

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