Was Andrew Jackson born in S.C. or N.C.?
Happy President’s Day, Charleston. We hope those of you lucky enough to have work or school off today are celebrating the occasion with a slew of presidential activities. Perhaps you’re viewing the artistic work of George W. Bush, re-watching ‘All the President’s Men,’ or searching for a bald eagle, while eating apple pie + wearing red, white & blue.
Or maybe you’re enjoying the day at one of S.C.’s State Parks, like Andrew Jackson State Park in Lancaster… which brings us to today’s topic of discussion: Was Andrew Jackson, America’s 7th president, born in S.C. or N.C.?
This has been a debate since Jackson’s death in 1845 – all started by family members, Maury-style. (P.S. – Along with “Old Hickory’s” many accomplishments, he did many terrible things – so we’re not discussing Jackson’s character; only the birthplace debate.)
We do know that he was born in a log cabin – but the debated locations of that cabin are ~1.5 miles + a state line away from one another. Allegedly, he was born somewhere in the Waxhaws region, an area that crosses the state line + encompasses land south of Charlotte, N.C. to Lancaster, S.C., on March 15, 1767.
S.C. argument: Jackson once wrote a letter claiming he was born at an aunt’s home in S.C. + approved a map that indicated his birth home was Lancaster County, S.C. (But some say he claimed S.C. to warm up to them during the federal tariff vs. states’ rights argument.)
N.C. argument: A family member said she was present at his birth at his other aunt’s house, which was in Union County, N.C.
Final answer? Depends on who you want to believe. There are several markers about + statues of Jackson in both states – and people in each state will still debate the issue.
I mean, this state rivalry runs deep. For years, high schools in Lancaster County, S.C. + Union County, N.C. played each other in an annual football game for dibs on claiming Jackson for the following year. That’s serious stuff.
While the exact origin of ‘Old Hickory’ remains a mystery, something tells me he would have wanted you to enjoy this day.
So, turn up the Springsteen (Born in the U.S.A.🎶🇺🇸), sip a stateside-brewed beverage of your choice, + savor the freedom.
– Kalene, Multimedia Producer
