In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of President Andrew Johnson’s birth (December 29, 1808), the State Museum has organized an exhibit near Johnson’s bust in the historic State Capitol, near the House Chamber. An Unbending Spirit: Commemorating the 200^th Anniversary of President Andrew Johnson’s Birth will be on view at the State Capitol through June 28, 2009.

The Capitol is a fitting place for the exhibit. Andrew Johnson was elected governor in 1853, the first year that the building was used as the seat of state government. He also served as military governor during the Civil War, when the fortified Capitol was known as Fort Johnson.

Johnson became the 17th president in 1865, following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. He served during the tumultuous years immediately after the Civil War. During those years of bitter partisan politics, impeachment charges were brought against him, but he was found not guilty after a trial in the Senate. In 1875, Johnson was elected again as a U.S. Senator from Tennessee.

Among the artifacts in the exhibition: a ticket to the impeachment proceedings retained by the Johnson family, a cap from his Tennessee color guard; letters by Johnson while serving as governor and military governor; 1864 Presidential campaign items; an invitation to the Lincoln-Johnson inaugural ball, and a Johnson Peace Medal, issued by the United States between 1865 and 1869.

Image Credit: Carte-de-visite of Andrew Johnson turned on quarter to his right wearing suit, with Masonic sash and holding a Masonic sword.C.C. Giers, Nashville