Page Updated: September 11, 2023
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Hermitage Mansion - Hermitage TN
The Hermitage is to Andrew Jackson as Mount Vernon is to George Washington or Monticello is to Thomas Jefferson. Once the home of the seventh president of the Untied States, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage covers hundreds of acres, showcases the Greek Revival style mansion he chose to have built, touches on the highlights of his professional and private life, and, most importantly, acknowledges the slavery utilized in making the Hermitage possible.
The Hermitage Grounds Pass gives access to gardens, field quarters, and hiking trails throughout the property.
The interpreter-led Mansion Tour is the only way to see the home and is advertised as 90 minutes and includes a stop by Jackson’s Tomb.
Our tour of the Mansion was guided and took roughly 45mins; during which we were told much of the home’s current décor and belongings were actually the property of Jackson. Hardwood floors and extremely ornate wallpaper also remain from his day. The historical site is in great condition and gives good perspective of how Jackson lived.
“Uncle Alfred’s” cabin - also in remarkable condition – equally reflects on the era. Alfred was a born a slave at The Hermitage. Son to Betty, the mansion’s cook, Alfred tended wagons and horses. At some point in his life, he became Jackson’s personal servant. Choosing to remain in his cabin even after emancipation, Alfred became The Hermitage’s first tour guide. He lived to be 99 years of age and is buried in a modest garden near Jackson’s tomb. The story of his life gives a sobering glimpse of the overall history of Jackson’s Hermitage – and one that should be taken into consideration should you visit.
On the other side of the back pasture, well beyond the mansion and Uncle Alfred’s Cabin, sit what remains of the cabins that housed slaves of the Hermitage. Anyone touring the Hermitage and grounds can and should make it a point to visit them.
We made it the Hermitage for the last tour on a late autumn day. By the time our tour was over, there wasn’t enough sunlight to allow us to visit Jackson’s Tomb. Just something to be aware of when planning a visit to the Hermitage.
-b&b
Old Town Trolley Nashville
