Tennessee's First Congressman - Andrew Jackson
Yesterday we discussed Andrew Jackson’s place in the Revolutionary War.
Today, we will continue to decide if Jackson counts as a Founding Father while reviewing his place as a Congressman during the George Washington Administration.
He may not be a ‘Founding Father’ but I have given people a day for less.
Tennessee
After being orphaned at just 14 years old, Andrew Jackson spent several years living with different people for short periods of time in western North Carolina.
Despite his unfortunate situation, Jackson was a bright young man and he was able to intern with a lawyer. He passed the bar while still just 20 years old, which happened to coincide with the signing of the US Constitution.
Through friends, Andrew was appointed as District Attorney for North Carolina’s ‘Western District.’ This area would soon turn into the State of Tennessee.
Attorney General
Jackson quickly became friendly with Constitution Signer William Blount, who helped Andrew rise to become the Territory’s Attorney General.
Within a decade, Tennessee successfully applied for Statehood.
Jackson assisted in writing the State’s first constitution. He was then elected as Tennessee’s first Congressman.
Congressman/Senator
As a Democratic-Republican, Andrew Jackson arrived in Philadelphia for the conclusion of George Washington’s Presidency (where he was one of the few people to vote against a resolution of thanks for Washington).
Ten months later he was chosen to fill a vacant seat in the Senate.
Jackson only kept this position for a few months when he suddenly resigned, apparently ‘disgusted’ with John Adams’ Administration.
Afterwards
Of course, Andrew Jackson would go on to achieve great fame for his heroics in the War of 1812.
Additionally, he would play a large role in the Seminole Wars with Native Americans in Florida before becoming Territorial Governor of that future State.
Despite being featured on this site, it is impossible to consider Jackson a ‘Founder’ because his presidency became known as the Age of Jackson. You simply cannot be part of one generation when another is literally named after you.
Want to read about another Congressman who was a territorial Governor and fought with Native Americans?
May I introduce Arthur St. Clair:
Arthur St. Clair’s Defeat - Governing the Northwest Indian War
Want to learn about Andrew Jackson’s role in creating modern politics?
I suggest reading ‘The Rise of Andrew Jackson.’
Pick up a copy through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
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