When 17 year old Andrew Johnson came to Greeneville from Raleigh, NC in
1826, little did he imagine that his industrious work as a tailor, his
ardent desire for further education, and his keen interest in the civil
affairs of his fellow men would lead him from his simple tailor's shop
in Tennessee to the Presidency of the United States.
His roll in local and state government served well to prepare him for the critical issues he would face in his future career. He would be the only southern Senator to remain in Congress at the outbreak of the Civil War. President Lincoln would appoint him to be Military Governor of Tennessee and later select him as his running mate in 1864. After assuming the presidency, he risked removal from office in order to protect the human rights of citizens of the defeated states. He remains the only former President to return and serve in the US Senate.
Today in Greeneville you may visit among the surroundings that were so very much a part of his life. The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, located in downtown Greeneville, includes 3 separate units:
The Visitor Center Complex which includes Johnson's tailor shop, museum, restrooms, park headquarters, and the 1830's Andrew Johnson House;
The Homestead which was the President's home from 1851 until his death in 1875;
The National Cemetary which includes the burial site of Andrew Johnson, his wife, children and other descendents.
HOURS: Daily 9-5.
ADMISSION: Donation.
DIRECTIONS: Located 68 miles northeast of Knoxville. Exit I-81 at US 11E to Greeneville and follow signs.