October 2, 2019 (Tuesday)
Andrew Jackson disliked the Electoral College concept and wanted to do away with it. Who could blame him? The intricate system caused him to lose the election in 1824 to Adams. He found satisfaction, however, in a rematch with Adams in 1828, with a landslide victory. He was very popular.
Andrew Jackson – President 1829-1837
I visited his beautiful home, the Heritage, in Nashville, Tennessee in 1988. It is in perfect condition, and can be visited by anyone with the price of admission. I shall never forget the stately trees that lined the road in front of the mansion. I could visualize horses and carriages traversing those lanes.The gift shop is interesting. I bought Wanda a very nice collectible doll there, created by a famous local doll maker.
Jackson’s victory over the British in New Orleans in the War of 1812 made him a national hero. He believed in the common man, and people everywhere in the country knew and believed that.
Before becoming president he served in both houses of congress representing the state of Tennessee. Both North and South Carolina claim him as a native son, as he was born in an area claimed by both states. His parents had migrated from Ireland, and his father died before he was born. His mother died when he was 14.
His image has appeared on several bills, and is now on our $20 bill. Ironic, because he did not like paper money. He felt that money should be made of silver or gold. Many people today have urged the government to remove his face from our money because they believe he represented values that are no longer acceptable in our culture. I am purposely leaving out his relationship with Native Americans. Let’s save that for another blog.
Four of the first five presidents were from Virginia. Two of them, from Massachusetts, were father and son. Jackson represented something new and different, roots as an orphan, raised without wealth, champion of the common man, war hero, known as “the people’s president.” Jackson was the first president to invite the public to attend the inauguration ball at the White House, which quickly earned him popularity. The crowd that arrived was so large that furniture and dishes were broken as people jostled one another to get a look at the president. The event earned Jackson the nickname “King Mob.”
He was the first president to be the target of an assassin on January 30, 1835. The attempt failed. Four of our presidents have been assassinated, but attempts have been made on 17 others. This first attempt took place 46 years after the first president was inaugurated.
Much has been written about Andrew Jackson. You might like to take advantage of the wealth of information about him, and study his life. He was truly one of a kind.