Greeneville in Greene County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Preserving the President’s Legacy
Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2012
1. Preserving the President’s Legacy Marker
“ . . . I believe that my Father was the greatest man this country ever produced!”
Martha Johnson Patterson
Three generations of Andrew Johnson’s family devoted time and effort to preserve his memory and legacy. In 1906, the Johnson family’s burial plot became the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery under the War Department. In 1926, the state of Tennessee enclosed Johnson’s tailor shop and opened it to the public.
Margaret Johnson Patterson Bartlett – Andrew Johnson’s great-granddaughter – lived here in Johnson’s “Homestead” most of her life. In the late 1930s she traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, his wife Eleanor, and numerous senators about preserving this house. Through the family’s efforts, the National Cemetery, Tailor Shop, and Johnson’s Homestead were finally added to the National Park system as Andrew Johnson Monument in 1942.
“When this bill comes before the Senate, will you give it your affirmative vote?”
Margaret Johnson Patterson Bartlett, during meetings with politicians in Washington, D.C.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2012
2. Preserving the President’s Legacy Marker
this page online
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #17 Andrew Johnson series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 36° 9.656′ N, 82° 49.91′ W. Marker is in Greeneville, Tennessee, in Greene County. Marker is on S Main Street (U.S. 321), on the left when traveling south. Marker is located at the north end of the parking lot at Andrew Johnson's Homestead. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Greeneville TN 37745, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Homestead Grounds (a few steps from this marker); Andrew Johnson National Historic Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Andrew Johnson Homestead (within shouting distance of this marker); The Home of the 17th President (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of Andrew Johnson (within shouting distance of this marker); Valentine Sevier Home (within shouting distance of this marker); McKee Street "Flagship of Greeneville Mayoralty" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Greene County / Hawkins County (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greeneville.
More about this marker. Several photographs appear on the marker. The one at the lower left has a caption of “Margaret Johnson Patterson Bartlett – Andrew Johnson’s great-granddaughter – sometimes dressed in her great-grandparents’ clothes when leading visitors through the Homestead in the mid-1900s.” Next to this is a photo of Andrew Johnson Patterson, grandson; Martha “Mattie” Barkley Patterson, granddaughter-in-law; Martha Belle Patterson Landstreet, great-granddaughter; and Martha Johnson Patterson, daughter. The right side of the marker features two photos of the Homestead, and has a caption of “In the late 1950s, National Park Service conservationists returned the Homestead’s exterior to its appearance in 1869 when Andrew Johnson returned to Greeneville after serving as the 17th U.S. President. Many of Johnson’s original furnishings and personal belongings are inside.”
Also see . . . Andrew Johnson National Historic Site. National
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2012
3. Preserving the President’s Legacy Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2012
4. Andrew Johnson Homestead
Andrew Johnson spent the final years of his life in this house, and died here on July 31, 1875.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2012
5. Parlor in Johnson's Homestead
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2012
6. Andrew Johnson Death Room
Andrew Johnson died in this bed. Note the bottle of Laudanum (poison) on the side table. This supposed medical remedy may have hastened his death.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 414 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 14, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
