The Hermitage: Frontier Farm to American Landmark at The Hermitage's Andrew Jackson Visitor Center Gallery

The Hermitage: Frontier Farm to American Landmark looks at how this 1,000-acre property evolved from a modest frontier farm to Andrew Jackson’s prosperous and expansive cotton plantation. The exhibit also illustrates how after Jackson’s death, The Hermitage became an American Landmark while simultaneously deteriorating due to the Jackson family’s downward financial situation.

“The history of The Hermitage mirrors American history with stories of Indians, westward expansion, slavery, freedom, the changing roles of women, and the fortunes to be made from industry’s insatiable demand for cotton,” according to Marsha Mullin, Chief Curator and Director of Museum Services. This exhibit reveals why The Hermitage is the ideal venue for exploring the themes of Jacksonian America. In addition, Frontier Farm to American Landmark takes a closer look at the architectural evolution of the Hermitage mansion, after Jackson’s death. Visitors are offered a rare opportunity to view some of the post-1845 furniture no longer exhibited in the mansion. The exhibit elaborates on how The Hermitage was built and furnished. Who did the work? Who selected the furniture and wallpapers? Special attention will be paid to one of our visitors’ favorite questions: “What happened to The Hermitage after Andrew Jackson’s death?” The answers to these questions and many more may surprise you!

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Stories from the Hermitage Slave Community

The Hermitage story is not just about Andrew Jackson and his family. In fact, the Jackson family story cannot be told without the stories of the 150 enslaved Africans who lived and worked at The Hermitage. Whether house slave, skilled craftsmen, or field hand, each and every one made an important contribution to The Hermitage. From 1804 to 1865, slaves were born, purchased, lived, sold, and died on The Hermitage, but little is known about their story. Only recently through scant documents, archaeology, and oral tradition has an image of the Hermitage slave community begun to emerge.

The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson is proud to present Stories from the Hermitage Slave Community. Funds provided by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority helped make this exhibit possible.

Only a small number of photographs of Hermitage slaves are known to exist. This temporary exhibit gives voice to the Hermitage Slave Community by combining images of the slaves weathered and worn hands and faces with personal information about them. These stories and images reflect the struggle and contributions of individuals and families who supported the Hermitage plantation and the Jackson family.

Stories from the Hermitage Slave Community runs indefinately. Stories from the Hermitage Slave Community is included with regular admission to The Hermitage.