Just outside of Nashville, a looming, two-story Federal-style mansion stands, adorned with a deep portico and 10 massive Doric columns. It was once occupied by the 7th U.S. president, Andrew Jackson. In the home’s shadow is a well-preserved, simple log cabin. Here lived Alfred Jackson, a man born into slavery in 1803. By 1889, he was the notable Nashville plantation property’s key caretaker and tour guide.
To say that Alfred Jackson knew the 1,120-acre cotton estate and home of Andrew Jackson would be an understatement. He was born there, to Betty, the cook, and Ned, a carpenter, and he married, died, and was buried there. As an adult, he became not only a personal attendant to Andrew Jackson, but was also the property wagoner, which meant he oversaw the maintenance and care of carriages, wagons, and horses.
