Hermitage in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

The First Hermitage

Worlds Apart, Side by Side

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, September 25, 2010

1. The First Hermitage Marker

Inscription. These log buildings tell a remarkable American story unlike any other. From 1804 to 1821, as a two-story farmhouse and kitchen outbuilding, the First Hermitage housed future United States President Andrew Jackson and his family. Here, Jackson lived out, and became a symbol of, the American Dream—the belief that anyone can rise to great success.

After Jackson moved to his new brick mansion in 1821, he reconfigured his old log farmhouse to a one-story slave cabin. Until the Civil War, these buildings sheltered some of Jackson’s enslaved workers—a group of people for whom freedom remained a dream deferred. Today, these unassuming buildings stand as a symbolic reminder of the conflict between democracy and slavery that continues to haunt our understanding of American life and culture.

As you explore the First Hermitage, you’ll find the interwoven story of two American experiences. Within the shadow of Andrew Jackson’s life in these buildings, also exists the very different story of the many enslaved African Americans who lived and toiled here. Look carefully.

Topics and series. This historical marker

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is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #07 Andrew Jackson series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1804.

Location. 36° 13.014′ N, 86° 36.695′ W. Marker is in Hermitage, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It can be reached from Rachels Lane 0.3 miles east of Hermitage Road. This marker is located along the pathway beyond the Springhouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4580 Rachels Lane, Hermitage TN 37076, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Middle Tennessee

and in Greater Nashville.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Future President's Home (a few

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, September 25, 2010

2. The First Hermitage Marker

Based on architectural and historical evidence, this watercolor rendering depicts Jackson’s log farmhouse and kitchen as they appeared during his time of residence.

A photographer captured this image of the one-story farmhouse and kitchen slave cabin shortly after the Civil War.

steps from this marker); The Hermitage Landscape (within shouting distance of this marker); A home for Jackson’s Slaves (within shouting distance of this marker); Growing Cotton (within shouting distance of this marker); Abandonment and Preservation (within shouting distance of this marker); Land Conservation at The Hermitage (within shouting distance of this marker); The Belted Galloway (within shouting distance of this marker); Field Quarter Trail (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hermitage.

Also see . . . The Hermitage, The Home of President Andrew Jackson. (Submitted on February 10, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, September 25, 2010

3. The First Hermitage Marker

The First Hermitage image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, September 25, 2010

4. The First Hermitage

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, September 25, 2010

5. The First Hermitage

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2012, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 1,170 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 9, 2012, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.