America's 17th president, Andrew Johnson, took office under the most difficult circumstances imaginable. Faced with healing the wounds of civil war and a divided government, Johnson faced insurmountable odds. Let's learn more about his life and presidency with a visit to his home in Greeneville, Tennessee...
President Andrew Johnson: An Overview
America's 17th president, Andrew Johnson, was thrust into the presidency by the tragic assassination of President Lincoln in April, 1865. Lincoln had just begun his second term. Amidst the transition of power, the final battles of the Civil War were being waged in western states, with news of Lee's surrender to Grant not having reached the western frontier.
Johnson, born in North Carolina but from Tennessee, knew his primary order of business was to reunite the states. He inherited Lincoln's cabinet members, many of whom were hostile to Johnson's ideas and approach.
In an effort to heal political and social wounds from the Civil War, Johnson granted amnesty to Confederates, which angered many in Congress and Johnson's Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton. Congress continually battled Johnson on his level of authority, with the president referring to the Constitution as the basis of his stance.
Ultimately, articles of impeachment were drawn to attempt to remove Johnson from the presidency. The required majority of votes was not achieved, and Johnson served the remainder of his term.
In retrospect, history has been much kinder to Johnson than during his tumultuous presidency. His actions surrounding acceptance of southern states back into the union are still felt in a positive way today. His administration was instrumental in the purchase of Alaska, which was acquired by the United States in 1867.
After his term ended, Johnson returned to Tennessee, where he had served as senator and governor before becoming vice president. He made two unsuccessful attempts to continue his political career as a representative and senator, finally winning a senate seat from Tennessee just before his death in 1875.
Touring Andrew Johnson's Home In Greeneville, Tennessee
Today, visitors can learn about Andrew Johnson by visiting the home he lived in for 24 years in Greeneville, Tennessee. Greeneville is located in the far eastern part of the state, about 100 miles east of Knoxville and a short drive from the North Carolina border.
Visitors should start at the visitor center, located downtown. Here you can obtain information about Johnson, his home, grave site, and other attractions in the area. A short film is available which chronicles his career and administration. It is here that you should obtain a required free ticket and tour time to tour the Johnson Homestead.
National Park Service Rangers lead daily tours of the Johnson home. The home has been restored to its 1875 appearance and includes numerous original furnishings donated by the Johnson family, who owned the home through 1958. Nearby, you can visit Johnson's grave site, high atop a hill overlooking the town and surrounding area.
While in the area, be sure to take time to stroll historic downtown Greeneville. This is a Main Street America community, with many examples of preserved architecture, independent shops, and welcoming restaurants. Outdoor activities abound in this part of Tennessee, and the setting in the midst of the Appalachians is scenic and invigorating.
Anyone interested in American history should seek out and visit the many U.S. Presidents sites across the country. These unique and fascinating historical sites chronicle the lives and times of America's presidents and offer an insiders perspective into the presidency. To learn more about the presidents and the historic sites dedicated to them, visit our travelogue site at: http://www.presidentialtravelusa.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Hofman |  |
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