The Hermitage– Part Two

Andrew Jackson lived from time to time here, but mostly during his Presidency he was in Washington whereas his wife Rachel died shortly before Jackson’s Inauguration as President in 1829.  There had been a major controversy over his marriage to Rachel— was she a bigamist?  She had been previously married, and there was an issue about whether she had been properly divorced or not.  Rachel thought her first husband from Nashville had secured the proper divorce papers, and so she eloped with Andrew in 1791. But as it turned out, he had not gotten the papers, so the Jacksons were forced to re-marry in 1794 after it was clear the divorce had gone through. Naturally Jackson’s political opponents may hay out of this mayhem.  Jackson, the 7th President, chose to be buried at home, behind the Hermitage, and here is the family plot with a proper monument for Rachel separate from the President who is laid to rest under the cupola in the graveyard.

Here is Rachel’s monument as well as those of other family members.  There are still descendants around, the most recent is Andrew Jackson VI, but they live elsewhere.

Of just as much importance as various the family members was Uncle Alfred— a slave who was the headmaster of all the slaves and basically ran the plantation. He was given his own cottage, his own tombstone as he had requested he be allowed to be honored in burial like a normal person, and he was.  He lived to 98, outliving numerous family members and fellow slaves.

Here a nice plaque honoring Uncle Alfred…