Visiting Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Greeneville TN

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Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States who ascended to the office upon the death of Abraham Lincoln. He was a controversial figure who was the first president to be impeached (he survived by a single vote). Though born in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1808, Johnson is claimed by Tennessee as he lived most of his life there in Greeneville. Andrew Johnson National Historic Site preserves his two residences, tailor’s shop and gravesite. Some background on this now forgotten president who was a poverty to wealth story. Johnson was an illiterate 15-year-old tailor’s apprentice who ran away and eventually settled in Greeneville. Wife Eliza taught him to read. After establishing himself as a shrewd and prosperous businessman, Johnson turned career politician and slowly climbed the ranks: city alderman, mayor, state senator, U.S. representative, governor, U.S. senator, military governor, vice president, president and finally the only former president to return to the senate. The slave owning Democrat was the only southern senator to remain in Congress in defiance of the succeeding Confederacy which he was against. Johnson believed succession was unconstitutional and willing to sacrifice slavery for his beliefs. Loyalty to the Union meant being an outcast in the south. In 1864, Lincoln selected him as running mate despite Johnson being a Democrat because he brought southern Union sympathizer votes. Johnson’s impeachment was ignited by his wanting to go easy on the defeated south following the Civil War while Republicans sought harsh restoration. President Johnson’s legacy boils down to the Alaska Purchase. The national historic site is divided into three sections in downtown Greeneville so visitors have to drive to each one unless hardy walkers. The visitors center is starting point. After viewing a video about Johnson, there are exhibits to peruse that include the bible that he sworn in as president. Walk through doors to see the wooden tailor’s shop Johnson purchased in 1831 that has been housed in a protective brick building since 1921. Somehow there is a surviving wedding coat made by tailor Johnson on display. Once he turned professional politician, Johnson sold the tailor business while holding onto the property itself. He owned several profitable properties. Step across the street to visit the small brick house that served as Johnson family home form the 1830s to 1851. Nothing much to see there. Two long blocks away is “The Homestead,” the nine room two-story brick home where Johnson resided until his 1875 death. While Johnson was away in 1862, the confederates seized the house forcing his family and slaves to flee. They did not return until 1869 after his presidency. Visitors can tour inside this nice old place containing original family furnishings so the interior is frozen in time. A short drive from the Homestead is Andrew Johnson National Cemetery. Atop a bluff is the Johnson family plot. Towering above Johnson’s final resting place is huge eagle topped monument.