Slavery
Slavery is part of American history until 1865 that should not be ignored. We realize that slavery and racism are directly tied to each other. Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage supports racial justice. We do not stand for racism, and our desire is to bring to light the stories of the enslaved workers who lived at The Hermitage during Jackson’s time. We believe it is our responsibility to educate our visitors on the past to make better decisions about our present and future in terms of equity and justice. Then, we will be able to pave a better way forward.
Stories of Enslaved Families
In all reality, slavery was the source of Andrew Jackson’s wealth. The Hermitage was a 1,000 acre, self-sustaining plantation that relied completely on the labor of enslaved African American men, women and children. They performed the hard labor that produced The Hermitage’s cash crop, cotton. The more land Andrew Jackson accrued, the more slaves he procured to work it. Thus, the Jackson family’s survival was made possible by the profit garnered from the crops worked by the enslaved on a daily basis.
When Andrew Jackson bought The Hermitage in 1804, he owned nine enslaved African Americans. Just 25 years later, that number had swelled to more than 100 through purchase and reproduction. At the time of his death in 1845, Jackson owned approximately 150 people who lived and worked on the property.
Slave Sites & Living Quarters
Hermitage archaeologists have located thirteen slave living quarters in three different areas of the property: the work yard north of the mansion – used mostly for house slaves, the Field Quarter, and First Hermitage areas – used for skilled and field slaves.
Historic Slave Sites at The Hermitage
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The First Hermitage
The First Hermitage served as Jackson’s original farmhouse. This historical cabin was converted into slave quarters when Jackson built the mansion at The Hermitage. About the First Hermitage
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Field Quarter
The slaves who toiled in the fields lived with their family units in the more distant Field Quarter. Footprints of these buildings uncovered through archaeology give insights into the lives of its inhabitants. About the Field Quarter
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Farm Buildings
Remnants of farm buildings used on Jackson’s plantation lie in the cotton fields just beyond the First Hermitage. These include the cotton gin house and press. About the Farm Buildings
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Outbuildings
Dozens of outbuildings were necessary to operate the 1,000-acre cotton plantation. Remains of several of these, including the yard cabin and ice house can be explored by visitors to The Hermitage. About the Outbuildings
Alfred Jackson
Alfred lived at The Hermitage longer than any other person, white or black. As part of the enslaved community, the 1,000-acre, self-sustaining plantation relied completely on the labor of enslaved African American men, women and children.
Enslaved Memorial
Funded by the Cracker Barrel Foundation, Our Peace, Follow the Drinking Gourd stands as a memorial for the enslaved individuals while at the same time providing a place for everyone to reflect upon the continuing legacy of slavery.
The Hermitage Enslaved: A Wagon Tour
Limit 14 people per tour | $15 per person
The Hermitage Enslaved: A Wagon Tour takes visitors beyond the Hermitage mansion and into the plantation fields where the majority of the enslaved men, women and children worked and lived under the ownership of Andrew Jackson.
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The Hermitage Enslaved: A Wagon Tour Tickets$15/person (plus general admission)
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Children 5 and underFree
In Their Footsteps: Lives of the Hermitage Enslaved Tour
1 p.m. | $55 Per Person
The “In Their Footsteps” walking tour highlights the lives of the enslaved men, women and children who worked within the mansion during the life of Andrew Jackson and their stories beyond Jackson’s death and emancipation.
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In Their Footsteps Tickets$55/person
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the enslaved families at the hermitage and what were their occupations?
Here are the names of the known Hermitage enslaved families and their occupations by family groups. Heads of families are underlined with their children listed below them and successive generations indented.
Plan Your Visit
Find helpful information about admission, hours, special events and even suggested itineraries for your visit to The Hermitage in Nashville.