26 enslaved people died on Andrew Jackson's plantation before the Civil War

In Nashville, Tennessee, the Andrew Jackson Foundation made a significant announcement regarding a cemetery believed to be the final resting place of enslaved individuals associated with President Andrew Jackson. This discovery is particularly poignant as it highlights the history of at least 26 enslaved people who died on Jackson's plantation between 1804 and the end of the Civil War in 1865. Following extensive research, an expedition was undertaken to locate the cemetery, with ground-penetrating radar technology being employed to detect potential burial sites. The results confirmed at least 28 buried individuals, suggesting that there could be more, including graves of children or infants, located near a creek approximately 1,000 feet northwest of the Hermitage mansion. As part of this initiative, officials are keen on creating a reflective and contemplative space at the site, which aims to better convey the experiences of those who were enslaved. The physical grounding of finding these graves represents a stark reminder of the nation’s history and serves as an opportunity for visitors to understand the deeper narratives surrounding slavery in America. The cemetery, characterized by graves arranged in three north-south rows with heads oriented toward the west, is reported to have many gravestones sunken below the surface; only two visible markers can be noted above ground. Historical accounts suggest that most graves originally had stone markers at both the heads and feet but potentially lacked inscribed names. The decision to include the cemetery in forthcoming tours at The Hermitage marks a pivotal step towards acknowledging and memorializing the lives of those who were enslaved on the property. Moving forward, the foundation plans to engage with historians and descendants of those buried in the cemetery in order to guide the appropriate means of remembering and honoring these individuals, thus striving for an inclusive narrative surrounding Jackson’s plantation. This approach signifies a broader trend among historical sites to address the legacy of slavery and recognize the contributions of enslaved people to the nation’s history, moving away from solely celebrating figures like Andrew Jackson. The work at the Hermitage represents not just a discovery of burial sites but is also part of a larger movement to bring light to the stories of enslaved people, fostering a deeper understanding of societal structures that have historically marginalized their voices. The responsibility now lies with historians, descendants, and the public to ensure that these narratives are integrated into the fabric of American history. As the foundations of such historical locations evolve, they have the potential to balance the legacies of their founders with the memories and experiences of the enslaved individuals who lived and died in their shadows.