The Hermitage: Home of Andrew Jackson

Since neither the boys, my husband, or myself have been able to explore Tennessee, since moving here in November, we thought that we would look around for a few "corona-virus friendly" options.

One of those options was The Hermitage; Home of Andrew Jackson. They are operating at 40% capacity in groups of ten or less. We chose an outdoor tour, which included touring the mansion, as well. Masks were to be worn, and social distance was strictly enforced.

Upon arrival, we were the only people checking in. You were only able to buy tickets online, which is their way to limit visitors.

The estate is currently just over one thousand acres upon which his home, his original home, and several slave quarters remain. Andrew Jackson, his wife Rachel, and other family members, as well as one slave, are entombed in Rachel's garden. Andrew had a "Greek Temple" which he constructed from the Telemachus scenic wallpaper that Rachel had chosen for the Hermitage entrance hall.

Ironically, Rachel died just prior to Jackson's move to the White House. Something I did not know was that they were unable to have biological children. They adopted one of Rachel's sister's twin sons, to raise as their own. They also became legal guardians to many other children, including a Native American Jackson found in battle. Being an orphan himself, Jackson had a tender place in his heart,  for children.

As with many homes and mansions built in the 1800s, The Hermitage went through many renovations, including a renovation after a devastating fire in 1834. The mansion that we see today was considered the most fashionable house in Tennessee, at that time.

Many historians believe The Hermitage is the best-preserved early US presidential home. It was largely constructed in a Greek Revival fashion and contains many of Andrew Jackson's original furnishings. I found the wallpaper and murals stunning.

I have to admit that I was a bit nervous to go to a tourist location, but after being there for a short time, I felt 100% comfortable, and safe from the coronavirus! The precautions that were taken such as limited capacity, limited tour "groups",  mask-wearing, social distancing, outdoor attractions, and hand sanitizer at every turn made viewing this historical site a joy. 

I am thinking now is the time to be a tourist! lol  I have been longing to travel and explore, and while this is not Europe, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of Andrew Jackson, here in my home state.

 

I feel confident in our choice to go on a field trip; it brightened all of our spirits and made for an enjoyable day!

On a Side Note:

While I was adding photos to this post, and going over the pictures that I had taken, I noticed something odd in these photos,. Mind you, I wasn't supposed to be taking photos inside the mansion, so I deserve a slap on the wrist for that, so these photos were taken quickly, with my camera focused from my waist and the shutter snapped.

Any explanations? This is a second-story room and none of us were wearing a straw hat!

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