When most people think of Nashville, they immediately picture live music, hot chicken, and Broadway’s famous neon lights. While those attractions are certainly worth experiencing, one of the most memorable places we visited during our time in Nashville was actually a historic estate located just outside the city.
As part of my America 250 travel series, I have been exploring destinations that offer a deeper connection to our country’s history, and The Hermitage quickly became one of my favorite stops. Home to President Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, this beautifully preserved property provides far more than a typical house tour. It offers a fascinating look into early American life while encouraging visitors to explore the many perspectives that shaped our nation’s story.
Stepping Back in Time
From the moment we arrived, it felt as though we had stepped into another era. The tree-lined entrance, sprawling grounds, and historic architecture create an atmosphere that feels remarkably untouched by time.
The mansion itself is stunning. Walking through the rooms where Andrew Jackson and his family lived provides a glimpse into both presidential history and everyday life during the early nineteenth century. Original furnishings, artwork, and personal belongings help bring the stories to life in a way that books simply cannot.
One of the things I appreciated most was how well-preserved everything felt. Rather than simply viewing artifacts behind glass, visitors are immersed in the environment and encouraged to imagine what life looked like more than two hundred years ago. I fell in love with the wallpaper mural imported from France in the grand entryway. The historic French scenic wallpaper, picked out by Andrew’s wife, Rachel, is of the classic tale, “Telemachus on the Island of Calypso.” This original wallpaper was printed by Dufour in Paris around 1825. They sold silk pocket squares of the wallpaper in the gift shop, so of course, Mr. Greg now has this scene in his pocket square collection.
More Than a Presidential Home
While the mansion is undoubtedly impressive, The Hermitage is much more than a house.
The estate includes beautiful gardens, walking paths, historic structures, exhibits, and educational experiences that help paint a broader picture of the property’s history. We spent time wandering the grounds, taking in the scenery, and exploring areas that reveal how the plantation operated during Jackson’s lifetime.
One particularly moving stop was the final resting place of Andrew and Rachel Jackson. Nestled within the gardens, the tomb offers a quiet place for reflection and remains one of the most iconic landmarks on the property.
The Tour That Left the Biggest Impression
Of all the experiences offered at The Hermitage, one stood out above the rest.
The estate recently brought back its “In Their Footsteps” tour, which focuses on the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked on the property. This experience offers visitors an opportunity to better understand a critical part of the estate’s history that cannot be separated from the story of The Hermitage itself.
The tour shares the stories of the men, women, and children whose labor sustained the plantation and explores their daily lives, challenges, resilience, and contributions. Rather than viewing history through only one lens, visitors gain a more complete understanding of the realities that existed on the property.
I found this portion of the visit particularly meaningful because it adds important context to the broader story of American history. It serves as a reminder that historic sites are often made up of many different experiences, perspectives, and voices.
Why The Hermitage Is Worth Visiting During America’s 250th Anniversary
The nation’s 250th anniversary has inspired many Americans to revisit the stories that shaped our country. What makes The Hermitage special is that it encourages visitors to explore both the achievements and the complexities of our past.
History is rarely simple, and The Hermitage does an excellent job of presenting a more complete narrative. Visitors can learn about presidential leadership, early American culture, architecture, agriculture, and the lives of the enslaved people who were integral to the property’s history.
It is educational, thought-provoking, and surprisingly beautiful all at the same time.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for unique things to do in Nashville, I highly recommend adding The Hermitage to your itinerary.
In a city known for music and entertainment, this historic estate offers something different—a chance to slow down, reflect, and connect with the stories that helped shape America.
As we celebrate 250 years of our nation’s history, places like The Hermitage remind us that understanding our past is one of the best ways to appreciate the journey that brought us here today.
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