Stories from the Hermitage Slave Community

The Hermitage story is not just about Andrew Jackson and his family. In fact, the Jackson family story cannot be told without the stories of the 150 enslaved Africans who lived and worked at The Hermitage. Whether house slave, skilled craftsmen, or field hand, each and every one made an important contribution to The Hermitage. From 1804 to 1865, slaves were born, purchased, lived, sold, and died on The Hermitage, but little is known about their story. Only recently through scant documents, archaeology, and oral tradition has an image of the Hermitage slave community begun to emerge. The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson is proud to present Stories from the Hermitage Slave Community. Funds provided by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority helped make this exhibit possible. Only a small number of photographs of Hermitage slaves are known to exist. This temporary exhibit gives voice to the Hermitage Slave Community by combining images of the slaves weathered and worn hands and faces with personal information about them. These stories and images reflect the struggle and contributions of individuals and families who supported the Hermitage plantation and the Jackson family. Stories from the Hermitage Slave Community runs indefinitely. Stories from the Hermitage Slave Community is included with regular admission to The Hermitage.