The Hermitage, Home of General Andrew Jackson

by Mary C. Dorris

Mrs. Andrew Jackson, III (Amy Rich), conceived the idea of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association. The organizers were Andrew Jackson, III, Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Mr. and Mrs. William A. Donelson.

On February 19, 1889, Mrs. Rachel J. Lawrence, Mary W. May, Mrs. Mary Hadly Clare, Mrs. E. L. Nicholson, Miss Louise Grundy Lindsley, Mrs. Henry Heiss, and Mrs. Mary C. Dorris applied to the State of Tennessee and were granted a charter incorporating the Ladies’ Hermitage Association. The objects of the Association stated in the charter were to purchase from the State of Tennessee certain land, including the residence and tomb of Andrew Jackson, and to “beautify, preserve, and adorn the same throughout all coming years, in a manner most befitting the memory of that great man, and commensurate with the gratitude of his countrymen.” The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, on April 5, 1889, conveyed to Trustees for the Ladies’ Hermitage Association twenty-five acres of the Hermitage farm, including the house, tomb, and surrounding buildings.

Dr. and Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley rendered very efficient service in securing from the State Legislature the original conveyance of twenty-five acres to the Ladies’ Hermitage Association.

The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee (Chapter No. 27, Public Acts of Tennessee, 1923), at the earnest solicitation of the Officers and Directors of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association, conveyed 232⁵/₁₀ acres of the Hermitage farm, located in the Fourth Civil District of Davidson County, Tennessee, to the Board of Trustees for the Ladies’ Hermitage Association, to the end that said Ladies’ Hermitage Association be permitted and encouraged to preserve and beautify same, so as to display the respect, love, and affection which a grateful State and people cherish for their illustrious hero and statesman, Andrew Jackson.

The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee in 1935, by Public Act, conveyed 500 acres of the original Hermitage farm tract to the Board of Trustees to be maintained under the care and custody of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association. The Hermitage farm is now under the supervision of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association for preservation as a perpetual memorial. In 1960 the Association acquired 125 acres adjoining the north boundary as protection against future industrial or housing developments, bringing the total acreage to 625.

The furniture and relics were in the Hermitage at the time of the organization of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association in 1889, and Col. Andrew Jackson gave the Association an option upon them. But failing to raise the necessary money after four years’ trial, the entire collection of relics and furniture was removed in 1893 by the owner, Col. Andrew Jackson, to Cincinnati, where he had them on exhibition for pay. This venture was not a success, so they were returned to Nashville. From this collection and from various members of the family and others, the Association has bought the relics it now owns, that so beautifully adorn the residence where they first were placed.

The Association in its early years put forth untiring efforts to raise the funds necessary to restore the mansion and collect the original furnishings and relics. It inaugurated various enterprises, such as lectures, concerts, balls, etc.

President Theodore Roosevelt visited the Hermitage, October 22, 1907, and in a speech then promised government aid. He incorporated the matter in his annual message, and as a result and through the efforts of Senator James B. Frazier and Congressman John W. Gaines, both of whom were trustees, Congress made an appropriation of $5,000 to repair and improve the Hermitage. The present sources of revenue are admission fees, souvenir shop sales, and Association membership dues.

The collection of relics and furniture now in the house is the result of years of effort of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association. It is interesting to note, in this connection, that the Hermitage is the only great National Shrine in this country having original furnishings throughout. All furnishings in the house originally belonged to General Jackson, with the exception of a few articles which, in each case, are noted in the catalogue.

In 1961, the National Park Service of the U. S. Department of the Interior designated the Hermitage as a Registered National Historic Landmark.