One of America’s earliest preservation projects was two log cabins just outside Nashville, Tenn. Opened to the public in 1889, the modest 1800 farmhouse with its separate kitchen and slave quarters was the first home of Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the United States, and his wife, Rachel.
During the 17 years that "Old Hickory," his family, and slaves lived here, the future president called to arms the Tennessee Volunteers and became a hero of the War of 1812 and the Battle of New Orleans. He also served as a Tennessee state judge, United States Senator and Representative. When the nearby brick Hermitage mansion was completed in 1821, the original two-story farmhouse was converted into single-story slave quarters. For the next 40 years, dozens of African-American slaves lived here.
During the century after the Ladies’ Hermitage Association opened the buildings as Tennessee’s first historic site museum, 14 million people visited the property. But by 1999, age, rot and insect damage had brought the cabins near collapse and they were dismantled. Today, though, thanks in part to a partnership between the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Save America’s Treasures, and HGTV, the First Hermitage is being restored.
Sites in the 2004-2005 Restore America: A Salute to Preservation campaign.
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