Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage Nashville, TN

Civil War historians, like me, are fascinated by antebellum plantation houses. Many are located in Natchez, Mississippi, and St. Francisville, Louisiana. But two are situated near Nashville, Tennessee, Andrew Jackson's Hermitage and Belle Meade. The Hermitage is the third home that was occupied by Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, on the 1,000-acre site that is 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, which he owned from 1804 until his death in 1845. In 1834, after a fire partially destroyed his original plantation house, Jackson built a 13-room, Greek Revival structure upon the foundation of the former home. The mansion has a rectangular layout, about 104 feet from east to west and 54 feet from north to south. The south front is the location of the main entrance and includes a central block with a five-bay, two-story structure with a portico supported by six Corinthian style, wooden columns. The layout of the main block of the house consists of four large rooms separated by a center hall. The entry hall with plank flooring painted dark is decorated with block-printed wallpaper from Paris. A the far end of the hall is the elliptical cantilevered staircase with mahogany handrail leading to the second level. To the left of the hall are the front and back parlors featuring crystal chandeliers and Italian marble mantels. Leading from the front parlor is the dining room in the east wing. On the second level are four bedrooms used by family members and guests, including Sam Houston and U.S. Presidents James K. Polk and Martin Van Buren. Today, the 1,120-acre property also contains a formal garden where Jackson and his wife are buried, a large brick smokehouse that dates to the early 19th century, a caretaker's log cabin and two one-story buildings used for workers quarters. The Hermitage was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

Very informative tour. Nice day to walk the ground and hear about the history

The estate visit includes a short movie about Jackson’s life that was very well done. This is followed by a visit to the museum in the same building. Again, well done with lots of artifacts. Information about some of the slaves was well-presented. Then there is a guided tour of Jackson’s home just a short walk away, followed by time on our own to explore the gardens and family cemetery. We learned a lot about a President we had known little about.

I remember going there on a road trip back when I was in grade school during spring break with my mom, my dad and my twin brother Isaac. The place itself was surprisingly very pretty, the mansion was gorgeous, the artifacts were fascinating, Mrs. Jackson's wedding dress was absolutely beautiful. And best of all, the garden that President Jackson had planted for his wife was very pretty and I found a baby bunny when we were there while visiting the Jackson Family Cemetery. And before we left the Hermitage, my brother and I got some souvenirs. And also, my brother went there for a future President Day camp.

Beautiful mansion and grounds rich in history. Take time to view the movie and tour the museum. The mansion offers a guided tour and the docents all did a great job. Well worth a stop on the way out or into town. There is also a winery on site.