NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 12, 2020) – This Presidents Day, the state’s three presidential homes unite to launch the Tennessee Presidential Trail. The trail links Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage in Nashville, Tenn.; President James K. Polk Home & Museum in Columbia, Tenn.; and Andrew Johnson National Historic Site & Cemetery in Greeneville, Tenn.
The project was spearheaded by Kellye Murphy, Tourism & Marketing Director for Visit Columbia TN (City of Columbia), and completed through the working partnership with Ann Dee Jones, VP Marketing & Communications for Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage.
“I had this idea two years ago to link together our state’s presidential homes in a way that would bring greater tourism to the state at large. To see this idea come to life is amazing,” said Murphy. “Visitors to the homes are able to step back in time and learn what life was like during the respective time periods—not just in Tennessee but in our country as a whole.”
Murphy was inspired to create the Tennessee Presidential Trail when the Tennessee State Museum opened in Nashville. The State Museum is home to 13,000 years of Tennessee art and history, including an 1817 painting of Andrew Jackson and artifacts related to James K. Polk and Andrew Johnson.
“Tennessee has a rich presidential history, and we encourage residents and tourists to take advantage of the many resources available right here in Tennessee to learn more about that history,” said Tennessee State Museum Executive Director Ashley Howell. “The State Museum, the State Capitol and the three historic sites on the Presidential Trail make for a remarkable start on that journey.”
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, home to the 7th U.S. president, is one of Tennessee’s top historic sites. In celebration of Presidents Day, the site will offer visitors a discounted General’s Tour ticket for $20 ($2 off the regular ticketed price) between Feb. 14-17. Opened to the public in 1889, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is a 1,120-acre National Historic Landmark with more than 20 historic buildings, including Jackson’s mansion and tomb, restored slave cabins, a church and gardens. In recent years, new interpretive initiatives and educational programs have enhanced the experience of more than 230,000 annual visitors. The home is located just minutes from downtown Nashville at 4580 Rachels Ln, Hermitage, TN. For hours and information, visit thehermitage.com.
President James. K. Polk Home & Museum preserves and Interprets the only surviving home of the 11th president. In celebration of President's Day, the site will offer half off all admission on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The James K. Polk Home and Museum features a 30-minute docent-guided tour of the main house. Guests can also visit the Visitor Center with permanent exhibit and video, gardens and kitchen outbuilding, as well as Polk Presidential Hall featuring the new temporary exhibit Audubon: Nature & Nation. The James K. Polk Home and Museum is located at 301 W. 7th Street in downtown Columbia, TN. For hours and information, visit jameskpolk.com.
The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site & Cemetery interprets the life and legacy of the 17th U.S. president. Guests of the historic site are encouraged to tour the homestead—which served as Andrew Johnson’s home before and after his presidency—early home, cemetery, tailor shop and museum. The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site & Cemetery is located at 101 N. College St., Greeneville, TN. Admission to the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site & Cemetery is always free. For hours and information, visit nps.gov/anjo.
To learn more about the Tennessee Presidential Trail, visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TNPresidentialTrail.
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