Exploring the Hermitage – Touring American History

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Exploring the Hermitage is something that should be on anyone’s short list of things to do if they’re visiting or traveling through Tennessee. As you’ve probably surmised from my other posts, we love to combine travel and exploration with learning more about an area, its culture, and its impact on the country.

The Hermitage is a destination that ticks all those boxes. It’s steeped in history, and immaculately maintained so stepping onto the grounds and into the home is like stepping back in time. 

 

Exploring the Hermitage

The home of President Andrew Jackson, his family, and the slaves who worked his cotton fields, the Hermitage, like many historic places around the world, has a mixed bag of history. While the grounds and home are beautiful and are part of the fabric of American history, there’s no denying that Jackson’s home and wealth were built on the backbone of slavery.

Perhaps the best part of the Hermitage is that, in addition to showcasing the beauty of the grounds and home, it doesn’t shy away from Jackson’s use of slavery. In fact, part of the museum’s focus is discovering as much as possible about those slaves and sharing their stories and lives with visitors.

It’s an impressive combination of honoring the past by telling its stories – both the good and the bad – and bringing the real history of the Hermitage to all who visit. 

The Visitor Center

Before you enter the grounds or begin a tour, stop by the Visitor Center.  There’s a lot of artifacts and personal items on display.  There’s even videos available to watch.

 

 

The Mansion

Although the Hermitage is famously known as Andrew Jackson’s family home, it wasn’t their lifelong residence. He and his wife lived on a farm named Poplar Grove for about four years. Then, they moved to a plantation on the Cumberland River called Hunter’s Hill, living there for another eight years. After a failed business deal, Jackson was forced to sell Hunter’s Hill to avoid bankruptcy. On July 5, 1804, he bought a smaller, 425-acre property from his neighbor, Nathanial Hays – The Hermitage. 

Jackson constructed his eight-room mansion between 1819 and 1821. By 1831, the home needed more space, and two new wings were added. Although finished to the family’s liking, they would soon need to remodel again, as a devastating fire heavily damaged the home just three years later in 1834.

By 1837, when Jackson’s repairs and renovation were complete, the Hermitage was brought the grandeur that visitors see today and was widely known as one of the most fashionable homes in Tennessee. 

 

We toured the mansion, and every aspect of it is historically accurate, preserved, and beautiful. From the grand facade to the entrance walls, furniture, flooring, and even the windows. It’s all preserved immaculately, offering a real glimpse into the mansions of the rich in the 1800s. 

Just a quick note - no photography is allowed inside The Hermitage. 

 

 The Grounds

Exploring the Hermitage grounds offers a glimpse into both sides of its history. From its grand, beautifully appointed landscaping and views to the slave quarters, the Hermitage is a dichotomy of both the light and dark side of Southern history.

Touring the grounds, we were able to take in remnants of farm buildings in the cotton fields just beyond the first hermitage, including the cotton gin house and press. 

We were also able to walk through the First Hermitage, a collection of cabins that were originally the first farmhouse where Jackson’s family lived before he built the mansion. Those cabins were later converted to slave quarters where “slave families” lived. The families were encouraged by Jackson because he believed that it would decrease the likelihood of escape attempts. 

Even after slavery was abolished, several of his slaves chose to stay with The Jackson’s and become employees.  Housing was even provided to show how much they were appreciated.

Adjacent to the mansion, you’ll find the garden. This one-acre feast for the eyes is full of beautiful, colorful blooms, rich greenery, and the wonderful scents of spring and summer. It’s easy to see what it was one of the favorite spots of both Andrew and his wife, Rachel.

 

All around the plantation proper, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of fields, flowering trees, and beautiful open skies, as well. Taking in these views, it’s easy to see why Jackson named the property Hermitage, meaning retreat. 

 

 

Exploring the Hermitage Stories

Today, you can tour the Hermitage grounds and mansion and learn all about its rich history. The museum offers a wide variety of displays, items, and records documenting almost all aspects of this historic site. From the church built by Jackson as a promise to his wife to the beautiful grounds, Jackson’s tomb, and the many documents, photos, and stories that tell the stories of the slaves that lived on the property, today’s Hermitage aims to shed light all aspects of this historic home’s past. 

 

We were amazed at the beauty of the grounds and the honesty and attention to detail of the museum, and we’ll absolutely be going back again. If you love beautiful scenery, historic homes, learning about the past of our country, and generally combining exploration with education, then exploring the Hermitage should be at the top of your list for any trip to Tennessee. 

As you walk around, or drive up the long driveway, be on the lookout for wild animals roaming the area.  We saw several turkeys plus this small deer which wasn’t afraid of people.

 

 

Before You Visit

Visit the WEBSITE before planning a visit.  Tickets need to be purchased prior to your visit as many tours and events have a timed entrance.  Also, this will help with arriving prior to your time for parking and making your way to the Mansion for your tour.

Several types of tickets are available including the Mansion (which includes the grounds), Grounds only, and The Hermitage Enslaved: Wagon Tour.

While in the Nashville area – here’s a few more ideas on how to spend your time.

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME

CHEEKWOOD GARDENS

BACKSTAGE TOUR OF GRAND OLE OPRY

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