15 Interesting Facts about Andrew Jackson

Introduction:

Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States, is renowned as the first “people’s president” who was elected out of the non-elite class. He served two terms between 1829 and 1837 and left a great impact on the US’s history. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting facts about this notable figure.

Fact 1: Andrew Jackson was an orphan

At the age of 14, both of Jackson’s parents passed away within a few weeks of each other, leaving him as an orphan. He was the eldest of his siblings but had to manage his own affairs thereafter. Jackson lost many siblings early in life which left a traumatic impact on him throughout his life.

Fact 2: Andrew Jackson was a war hero

Andrew Jackson was considered a national hero in the War of 1812 when he defeated the British forces at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. He also fought in the Revolutionary War when he was only thirteen as a courier. His heroic efforts are still remembered in the US’s history.

Fact 3: Andrew Jackson met an untimely death

Though Jackson was strong throughout his life, he eventually met his untimely death in 1845 at the age of 78 due to a heart attack. He was in a lingering bad health for several weeks before this. His body was then transported to Tennessee and buried in The Hermitage, his home.

Fact 4: Andrew Jackson was the first non-elite president of the US

Before Jackson, only elite families held the highest office of the United States. Jackson was the first presidential candidate remarkable for being the first one from a humble background since he was an orphan and since he made his fortune from the land and through his attorneyship.

Fact 5: Andrew Jackson was the first president to ride a train

Jackson had the great honor of being the first president to ride a steam-engine train when he took a nine-day train tour around the US back in 1833.

Fact 6: Andrew Jackson had been married before

The hook was officiated in 1791, but Rachel died in 1828, two months before his first presidential inauguration. This was the first time in the US history when a sitting president had been a widow.

Fact 7: Jackson attained the nickname “King Andrew”

In the 1820s, Jackson was presented with a royal crown in a play by his political opponents which gave him the nickname “King Andrew”. He didn’t like the title and tried to counter it with the nickname “Old Hickory” which was used for his grumpy nature and strong-minded personality.

Fact 8: Jackson created the Democratic Party

In the 1820s, Jackson organized a group which was later on dubbed as the Democratic Party. This party was the first political faction which was organized in opposition to the existing ones in the US.

Fact 9: Jackson was the first president to be filmed

In the year 1845, a photographer named JJ Duffee had taken the first president photograph of Andrew Jackson. This was the first-ever photograph of an incumbent US president.

Fact 10: Jackson’s Seven Major Issues

The seven major issues that President Jackson focused on included the removal of Native Americans, the expansion of democracy, control of the US Treasury, the spoils system, granting tariffs, launching the Bank War, and fighting social injustice.

Fact 11: Jackson held the first-ever “open house reception”

The elegant White House receptions were traditionally closed-door affairs, but Jackson reversed the trend by introducing the first open-house reception for the public. Due to the popularity of Jackson’s reception, the tradition of public receptions continued till President Lyndon B. Johnson’s tenure in 1969.

Fact 12: Jackson was known for his crude humor

Andrew Jackson was notorious for his crude sense of humor, which was especially evident in his “Saturday night parties” where the joke used to be on his political opponents. He was also fond of cock fighting and horse racing.

Fact 13: Jackson was an admirer of Napoleon Bonaparte

As a child, Jackson had read about the French conquistador Bonaparte, and was deeply impressed by his military strategies. Jackson always remembered and took cues from Bonaparte’s rule and leadership qualities and often compared himself to him.

Fact 14: Andrew Jackson was the first president to have been impeached

In the spring of 1868, Jackson was impeached by the House of Representatives for “high crimes and misdemeanors”. However, the charges against him were eventually dropped after he won the support of the Senate and the House.

Fact 15: Andrew Jackson was the last president in the US to sport a beard

Jackson was the last president in the US to sport a beard, and the only President with his picture appearing on the US $20 bill (since 1928).

Conclusion

Andrew Jackson was a remarkable figure who established a strong legacy in the US’s history. He is remembered as a war hero, the first non-elite president of the US, the first president to ride a train, and the last president to sport a beard. He was also known for his crude sense of humor and admiration for Napoleon Bonaparte.