Built for Tennessee military hero and seventh US president Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), The Hermitage in its heyday was a prosperous 1,200-acre plantation with cotton fields, fine horses and illustrious visitors. Jackson, a controversial personality nicknamed "Old Hickory" for his steadfast loyalty to his soldiers, was elected president for two consecutive terms (1829-37). Both Andrew and his wife, Rachel, are buried in the mansion's garden.