Hermitage
- The Hermitage** was originally a plantation home in Nashville, Tennessee, established in the late 18th century and later owned by President Andrew Jackson. The site played a significant role in the region’s agricultural economy, reflecting the era’s reliance on enslaved labor while also serving as a political and social landmark in the early 19th century.
Origins and Early History
The land now known as The Hermitage was first settled by Dutch-American families, including the Hopper, Bogert, Ackerman, Oldes, and Terhune clans, in the mid-1700s. The name "Hermitage" derives from the French term for a secluded retreat, though its origins on this site are not explicitly documented in early records. In 1767, the property was purchased by Ann Bartow DeVisme, a woman who relocated from Manhattan with her five children, marking one of the earliest recorded transactions in the area. The house itself was constructed in the late 18th century, though its architectural style evolved over time to reflect the tastes of its successive owners.
By the time Andrew Jackson acquired the property in 1804, The Hermitage had transformed into a substantial plantation. Jackson, then a lawyer and land speculator, purchased the 1,000-acre estate for $2,500, expanding its operations to prioritize cotton production. Cotton became the plantation’s primary crop, with fields covering approximately 200 acres by the time Jackson took residence. The shift to cotton cultivation was typical of the era, as the crop’s profitability drove the expansion of slavery across the American South. The Hermitage’s agricultural success was underpinned by the labor of enslaved individuals, whose contributions were central to the plantation’s economic viability.
Andrew Jackson’s Era and the Plantation System
During Jackson’s ownership (1804–1845), The Hermitage operated as a fully functional plantation. The site included not only the main house but also outbuildings such as a cabin for enslaved people, which has since been identified through archaeological research. The enslaved population at The Hermitage performed a range of labor-intensive tasks, including cultivating cotton, maintaining the property, and managing domestic duties. While exact numbers of enslaved individuals are not recorded in available sources, historical context suggests that a typical mid-19th-century Tennessee plantation of this size would have supported a workforce of dozens.
The Hermitage’s significance extended beyond agriculture. Jackson, who later became the seventh U.S. president (1829–1837), used the property as a retreat from his political career. His tenure at The Hermitage coincided with the rise of his national prominence, including his role in the War of 1812 and his eventual presidency. The plantation also served as a site for social gatherings, though records do not detail the specific dynamics of these events. Jackson’s personal library and political papers, preserved at The Hermitage, offer insights into his intellectual interests and administrative practices.
Archaeological Discoveries and Historical Reckoning
In recent decades, archaeological investigations at The Hermitage have uncovered evidence of the enslaved community’s presence. In 2023, the Andrew Jackson Foundation announced the discovery of a burial ground for enslaved people on the property. The finding was confirmed through excavations led by archaeologists, who identified a slave cemetery containing multiple graves. This discovery aligns with broader efforts to document the histories of enslaved individuals in the American South, many of whose stories have been obscured by historical records. The Hermitage’s slave cemetery serves as a tangible reminder of the human cost of plantation agriculture and the systemic oppression endured by enslaved laborers.
Additionally, the remains of a cabin used by enslaved people were identified on the site. Such structures were typically modest and functional, designed to house multiple individuals in close quarters. The preservation of these artifacts provides a rare glimpse into the living conditions of enslaved individuals on Jackson’s plantation. The findings have prompted discussions about how to honor the memory of those buried on the land while maintaining the site’s historical integrity. The Andrew Jackson Foundation has committed to further research and public education initiatives to contextualize these discoveries.
Post-Jackson Era and Evolution of the Property
After Jackson’s death in 1845, The Hermitage passed through several owners before being acquired by the state of Tennessee in 1908. The property was then donated to the Andrew Jackson State Park system, though it was not immediately opened to the public. In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt visited The Hermitage following a speech at Ryman Auditorium, reflecting the site’s continued cultural significance. Roosevelt’s visit underscored the plantation’s legacy as a historical landmark tied to a pivotal figure in American politics.
The Hermitage’s transformation into a public museum began in earnest in the early 20th century. In 1910, the Hermitage Hotel, a luxury establishment designed in the Beaux-Arts style, opened on the property. The hotel became a focal point for Nashville’s social and political elite, hosting debates and events, including discussions about women’s suffrage in the 1920s. The juxtaposition of the historic plantation with a high-end hotel highlighted the site’s dual identity as both a relic of the past and a modern institution.
Cultural and Architectural Legacy
The Hermitage’s main house exemplifies the transitional architectural styles of the early 19th century, blending Federal and Greek Revival influences. The structure was expanded and modified during Jackson’s ownership, incorporating features such as a portico and symmetrical façade that reflected the neoclassical aesthetic popular among wealthy Southern planters. While the house itself has undergone restorations, its original layout and some original furnishings remain intact, offering visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of the plantation elite.
Beyond its architectural significance, The Hermitage has been a subject of broader cultural discourse. In 2023, the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, exhibited works of art looted from Germany at the end of World War II, including pieces connected to the site’s historical context. This exhibition underscored the global reach of The Hermitage’s legacy, though it is important to note that the Nashville site is distinct from the Russian museum. The Nashville Hermitage continues to engage with its past through educational programs and historical research, aiming to present a comprehensive narrative that includes both its role as a plantation and its later iterations as a public and cultural space.
The Hermitage Today
Today, The Hermitage operates as a historic site and museum managed by the Andrew Jackson Foundation. The property is open to the public, offering guided tours of the main house, gardens, and archaeological sites. Visitors can explore the restored plantation grounds, learn about Jackson’s life, and engage with exhibits that address the history of enslaved labor on the site. The foundation has also initiated efforts to commemorate the enslaved community through memorials and interpretive signage, ensuring that their stories are acknowledged alongside the broader historical narrative.
The Hermitage remains a key destination for those interested in Tennessee history, particularly the era of Andrew Jackson and the expansion of slavery in the American South. Its dual role as a plantation and a later cultural hub reflects the complex layers of history embedded in the site. Ongoing archaeological work and historical research continue to uncover new details about the lives of those who lived and worked on the land, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of The Hermitage’s legacy.