President Jackson’s 250th Birthday Celebration

9:00 am                 New Orientation Film & Theatre Debut

10:15 am               Pre-Ceremony Music

11:00 am               Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Jackson’s Tomb

Join us for the annual wreath ceremony laying at the tomb of General Andrew Jackson, featuring the Tennessee National Guard, regulars of the US 7th infantry, and keynote speaker General Keith Huber.

12:00 pm               Complimentary Birthday Cake

Stop by for a complimentary slice of Birthday Cake with President Jackson.  Guests will also get to view the winning cake design from last Saturdays inaugural Presidential Cake Competition!

12:00 pm               Tennessee National Guard Concert

Step onto the front lawn of the Mansion and enjoy a concert of patriotic music performed by the Tennessee National Guard Band.

1:00 pm                 Book-Signing with Judge Andrew Jackson VI

Meet Judge Andrew Jackson VI and chat with him about his famous ancestor’s history, featured in a new book published by The Andrew Jackson Foundation.

2:00 pm                 Steeplechase Horserace

Celebrate the President’s birthday with one of his all-time favorite pastimes – watching a horse race!  The Tennessee Equine Hospital will host an authentic 19^th-century steeplechase in the Orchard Field, you won’t want to miss this!

3:00 pm                 Hickory Pole Raising

Show your support of President Jackson with the traditional Hickory Pole raising! Communities across the country would decorate and raise a pole as a show of support for “the People’s President.” Stop by Education to watch ours go up!

10:00 – 3:00        Jackson’s Favorite Things

Walk around and explore these interactive stations featuring some of the President’s favorite things!

American Heritage Chocolate™ presents Chocolate in America —

Andrew Jackson’s favorite food was chocolate! For his birthday celebration, interpreters will take guests through the history of chocolate, from the growing the plant to enjoying your favorite beverage or dessert. Samples of hot chocolate will be available.

A Soldier’s Life —

Andrew Jackson relished the military life, and preferred the title of “General Jackson” to being called “President.” Visit with Tennessee Militiamen of the War of 1812 as they show guests the typical supplies and uniforms of a soldier of the War of 1812. Kids can even make their own shako—one of the tall helmets worn during the War—to take home!

Horses and Racing —

Horses are critical to every part of life in early Tennessee, from farming to sports. Andrew Jackson was so enthusiastic about horses, he helped to establish the early racing industry and blood lines of racehorses in Middle Tennessee. He even built a racing stable at The White House! Learn about the parts of a horse, the equipment used, and the enslaved and free black trainers and jockeys who often worked with Jackson and other owners in the industry.

Join us at 2:00 in the Orchard Field to watch racehorses run a steeplechase!

Political Campaigns—

Jackson enjoyed the fast-paced complexity of politics in America. People across the country had a unique way of showing their support for Jackson by raising a giant Hickory Pole! Guests can will get to create campaign paraphernalia to attach to the hickory pole or take home.

Join us at 3:00 at the Education Building to help raise the Hickory Pole into the sky!

Clover Bottom General Store—

One of Jackson’s lesser-known careers was as a merchant and storekeeper. In his time, British currency was common in use on the American frontier. Guests can practice buying and selling in the General Store using British currency and learn about trade on the frontier.