Symbol of Democracy?

Elegant as it is, The Hermitage Mansion is also a prime example that, indeed, beauty sometimes does lie "in the eye of the beholder." Andrew Jackson's visitors got their first good look at his home as they rounded the graceful curves of its cedar-lined carriage drive. Jackson seems to have carefully staged visitors' impressions of his mansion and farm. The direct frontal view disguised the fact that the Greek revival facade does not continue around the sides of the house. For family members and most visitors, his Greek revival mansion symbolized Americans' celebration of their liberty and love of democracy. Other saw something quite different. To enslaved African Americans and social reformers of the time, the stylish Greek revival design sent much more than a clear signal about Jackson's own personal status. For them, it represented slavery and the failings of American Democracy.

In warm hospitality, around-the-clock exhausting labor, peaceful moment or contentious discussion, Jackson's home spoke powerfully to many people in many ways over the years. And still does.If we listen.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Nashville, TN  |  Davidson County  |  37076  |  Tennessee  |  United States of America

The Architectural Evolution Of The Hermitage
Civil War at The Hermitage
The Jackson Family Cemetery
The Hermitage Garden
Explore The Hermitage Grounds
"A Being so Gentle And Yet So Virtuous"
A Landscape Of Inequality
The Garden Privy
The War Road
The Triplex

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.