Andrew Jackson's Hermitage

FOOTNOTES

[1]The origin of the name of Jackson’s Hermitage estate is obscure. Thomas Hart Benton, in his Thirty Years’ View, Vol. I, page 736, says: “He ... lived on a superb estate of some thousand acres, twelve miles from Nashville, then hardly known by its subsequent famous name of the Hermitage—name chosen for its perfect accord with his feelings; for he had then actually withdrawn from the stage of public life....”

Mr. W. E. Beard, of Nashville, a well-known writer and historian, suggests that Jackson may have been influenced by the name of Aaron Burr’s home. “Before Jackson’s Hermitage there were at least two other homes, associated with noteworthy figures in American history, bearing the name. One was the Hermitage of Gen. Arthur St. Clair ... located near Youngstown, Pa. The other Hermitage was in New Jersey and has more romantic associations. It was the home during the Revolution of the beautiful Widow Prevost, the beloved of Col. Aaron Burr, later his wife and the mother of the gifted Theodosia.... One of Jackson’s earliest visitors of note at his Hermitage was Col. Burr.... A reasonable supposition would be that the charming adventurer, remembering the days of his dashing courtship in Jersey, suggested the name for the new home of his host.”

Mr. Beard remarks that Burr visited Jackson’s Hermitage after its name was in use. In support of his theory it may be stated, however, that Jackson had known Burr since 1797. There is, as far as is known at present, nothing to prove definitely the origin of the name of Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage.

[2]An old log building, said to have been Andrew Jackson’s carriage house at Hunter’s Hill, has been removed to the Hermitage.

[3]In 1817 Truxton, then seventeen years old, was presented by General Jackson to Col. Robert Butler, adjutant-general of the New Orleans campaign, who resided in the Mississippi Territory. “I drop you a hasty line to inform you of the safe arrival of Truxton,” wrote Col. Butler to General Jackson, on April 20, 1817. “I met him at Ft. Adams landing yesterday.... My dear Genl I feel under great obligations to you for this Horse of Horses. I certainly never beheld a more noble animal.... I shall cherish and pet him as a great favorite as long as he lives.”

Military portrait of General Andrew Jackson done by the artist, Ralph E. W. Earl, who married one of Mrs. Jackson’s nieces and was, for 20 years, a member of the Hermitage household. Earl was known during the Jackson administration as “Portrait Painter to the King.” THE HERMITAGE, home of General Andrew Jackson, Seventh President of the United States, Nashville, Tennessee.

Portrait of Andrew Jackson on Sam Patch, white horse presented him by the citizens of Pennsylvania in 1833. Portrait by Earl. THE HERMITAGE, home of General Andrew Jackson, Seventh President of the United States, Nashville, Tennessee.

Portrait of RACHEL DONELSON JACKSON
—by Earl
THE HERMITAGE
Home of General Andrew Jackson
Seventh President of the United States
Nashville, Tennessee

THE HERMITAGE—Home of General Andrew Jackson, Seventh President of the United States, Hermitage, Tennessee, near Nashville. Standing today just as it stood when he left it over 100 years ago is the classic home of “Old Hickory.” Built in 1819, this historic shrine has successfully defied time and nature for 134 years. Although it was damaged by fire in 1834, it was restored immediately as it stands today.

Natural Color Photography by Frank Shannon
Color-King Natural Color Card, W. M. Clint Co., Chattanooga, Tennessee

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