We’ll never know if Andrew Jackson could have stopped the Civil War, but we can learn a lot about Jackson, and in a beautiful setting, too. The gorgeously preserved historic estate known as Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is a don’t miss “Summer in the City” destination. Because it’s a highly educational go-see, you and the kids just may be a bit more inspired for history and the start of the school year, so let’s go!
Plantation Living
The Hermitage estate covers an expansive and lush 1,120 acres. Your visit will include a guided tour of the 13-room mansion in addition to self-guided exploration of a 1.1 million dollar exhibit detailing Jackson’s life and free reign on the surrounding grounds.
Jackson, a tempestuous self-made man, led a rousing life as a lawyer before moving to Nashville in 1788. Andrew and wife Rachel lived in a log home on the grounds until the Tennessee militia called Jackson to active service. He returned home a hero, following the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812. The Jacksons built the mansion between 1819 and 1821.
Look around the rooms as you stroll the mansion. Kids may not notice the porticos and the exquisite attention to detail as they walk, but you will. Furthermore, the grand cantilevered staircase and crystal chandeliers can’t be missed.
The Exhibit
In the Hermitage exhibit gallery, you can learn about Jackson’s life through panel displays and archaeological artifacts. See Jackson’s battle-tested swords, handbooks, carriage and other assorted personal items and clothing. This impressive exhibit makes for an engaging way to learn about political history and how Jackson’s life played out within it.
After your mansion tour, a stroll on the curated grounds await. While you can walk on your own, you can also take a wagon tour ($11 additional per person). Whichever you choose, you’ll notice how slow moving life once was, far removed from the fast-paced world of 2017.
Because of a your visit to the Hermitage, your kids will gain a new perspective of Andrew Jackson and Tennessee history. Perhaps most of all, they’ll be struck by the differences in life between then and now.
If You Go
The Hermitage is located at 4580 Rachel’s Lane, Nashville. For more information, call 615-889-2941 or email info@thehermitage.com
General Admission
Adults are $20; Seniors ages 62 and older are $17; Students ages 13 – 18 are $15; Children ages 6 – 12 are $10; Veterans are $10. Admission is free for active military and children. A family pass for two adults and two children under age 18 is $54.
• An $8 for an upgraded multi media experience complete with head device (Kid’s headsets include storytelling and games).
• A VIP admission option includes a one-and-a-half hour guided tour, special access to the mansion balcony, plus a guided tour of the grounds, Jackson’s tomb and the gardens. VIP tours are available at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for $50 a person.
Upcoming events:
• Solar eclipse watching will be going on all over Middle Tennessee on August 21. The Hermitage offers a tailgate that day from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. with activities for kids and more. Bring chairs and blankets!
• This fall, the Hermitage will offer lantern-lit ghost tours at night. Tours will be family friendly, and will take place throughout the Hermitage estate, most notably by Jackson’s tomb.
• Did you know that educational programming and tours are available for K-12 at the Hermitage? Find out more by emailing education@thehermitage.com.
• For more information on the Hermitage’s “Home School Days,” email education@thehermitage.
