Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson. . For Love of Family and Country , Andrew Jackson lost his entire family-father, two brother, and mother-before his 15th birthday. His character was marked by an abiding hatred of the British inspired by his experiences during the Revolution, and a deep love of family and country. In spite of difficulties, Jackson finished school and studied law. In 1788, he became district attorney for what is now Middle Tennessee and moved to Nashville. He married Rachel Donelson and the couple settled at The Hermitage. His desire to take an active role in protecting the nation drew him to serve in the Tennessee militia. Always popular, he was elected Major General in 1802. , Creek War , When the U.S. declared war on the Red Stick faction of the Creek Nation in September 1813, Andrew Jackson was at The Hermitage recovering from severe injuries received in a brawl. Ignoring his wife's protests and the pain from a bullet lodged in his shoulder, Jackson left his sickbed. He was not about to lose the opportunity to win glory in battle. , The U.S. was at war with Britain, and like many, Jackson believed the Indian nations were in league with the enemy. He summoned his "Brave Tennesseans,” calling for 2,000 volunteers to rendezvous here, at what came to be called Camp Blount. Jackson pushed south into present-day Alabama on October 11. Six months later, his army had destroyed the Red Sticks and the Creek Nation was in ruins. , National Hero Jackson's victories in the Creek War earned him a promotion to major general in the U.S. Army. In January 1815, he defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans. Jackson emerged from the war a national hero. He rode this tide of popularity to the White House in 1828. , Inset text: "Whether his policy was right or wrong. he built up the glory of the nation." -Sam Houston on Andrew Jackson