The Age of Jackson
Between 1815 and 1850, Tennessee embodied the spirit of American expansion and politics, with President Andrew Jackson being the central character in the state's development.
Jackson was an American hero who became the first president from the land west of the old seaboard colonies. But the "age of Jackson" was more than one man. It was a time when government, both on the state and national levels, became more responsive to the "common folk." State constitutions were rewritten, and politicians now had to court their votes. Displays on Jackson, David Crockett, Sam Houston, and President James K. Polk are included in this section.
Artifacts of note include:
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Andrew Jackson's 1829 inaugural hat;
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Powder horn presented to David Crockett;
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A $240 check issued by the Republic of Texas to David Crockett's estate after his death at the Alamo;
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Wine chest and document box belonging to Mexican President Santa Anna;
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Quill pen used by President Polk to sign the peace treaty with Mexico in 1848;
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War of 1812 uniform coat; and
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Reconstruction of a middle class farmer's cabin.