Historic Site Paper Spring 2017 Semester The Purpose Of This ✓ Solved

HISTORIC SITE PAPER Spring 2017 semester The purpose of this

The purpose of this assignment is to teach you how to prepare to visit an historic site and to acquaint you with a Tennessee historic site. Remember, an historic site is a place where history was made and not recorded, such as a museum. Your assignment is to visit one of the following historical sites in Middle Tennessee and to write a paper on your visit experience, answering the questions listed below but not limited to those questions. Choose ONE site from the following list. You may propose alternatives to the Professor, but you must have approval. Your paper must also includes documentation of your visit, such as a picture that you took during your visit or a scanned admission ticket.

Historic sites (suggested possibilities):

  • Stones River National Battlefield
  • The Hermitage—home of President Andrew Jackson
  • The Carter House, Franklin, TN
  • Carnton Mansion, Franklin, TN
  • Fort Negley, Nashville, TN
  • Sam Davis Home, Smyrna, TN
  • Shiloh National Military Park
  • Old Stone Fort State Park, Manchester
  • James K. Polk House, Columbia
  • Rhea County Courthouse, Dayton
  • Belle Meade Plantation, Nashville
  • Rippavilla Plantation, Spring Hill

Questions to address:

  1. How you prepared for the visit (readings, etc.)
  2. A description of the historic site
  3. What makes this site so historic and what are the most important aspects of the site?
  4. Your impressions of the site: what were you most impressed by, were you surprised by what you learned, etc.
  5. Would you recommend visiting this site to a friend—why or why not?
  6. Why should this site continue to be preserved for future generations?

Paper For Above Instructions

The selected historic site for this paper is The Hermitage, the former home of President Andrew Jackson, located in Nashville, Tennessee. The site is not only a beautifully maintained mansion but also a significant representation of American history and the life of one of its most controversial figures.

Preparation for the visit included reading various resources regarding Andrew Jackson’s life, his presidency, and the historical significance of The Hermitage itself. Books such as "Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times" by H.W. Brands provided insights into his presidential policies and personal life. Additionally, the official website of The Hermitage offered valuable information about the various tours available and the specific aspects of Jackson's life that the site emphasizes.

The Hermitage was originally built in 1819 and features classic Greek Revival architecture. It is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and a large property that includes several outbuildings, such as slave quarters, a smokehouse, and a carriage house. The mansion itself contains a museum dedicated to the life of Andrew Jackson and showcases numerous artifacts from his life, including clothing, furniture, and personal items. Visitors can walk through the elegantly furnished rooms that tell the story of Jackson's rise from humble beginnings to the presidency.

The significance of The Hermitage lies not only in its architectural beauty but also in the complex history it represents. It is a reminder of Jackson's role in American history, both as a hero to many for his military achievements and as a controversial figure due to his policies regarding Native American removal and slavery. Understanding this duality is essential in grasping the overall historical narrative surrounding Jackson, making it a critical site for reflection on American history.

My visit to The Hermitage was an eye-opening experience. The grandeur of the mansion contrasted with the historical context of Jackson’s life, prompting me to reflect on the moral complexities of history. I was particularly impressed by how the guides shared stories that highlighted both Jackson's accomplishments and his infamous policies. Learning about the diverse roles that the enslaved people played at The Hermitage was particularly surprising and adds depth to the visitor's understanding of the period.

If asked whether I would recommend The Hermitage to a friend, my answer would undoubtedly be yes. The site provides a comprehensive exploration of early American history, and the well-preserved state of the property allows visitors to visualize life in the 19th century. It serves as an essential educational experience not just for history enthusiasts but for anyone wishing to understand the complexities of America's past.

Preserving The Hermitage is crucial for future generations. It provides an important connection to American history, allowing individuals to engage with the narratives that shape the nation. By maintaining this site, we ensure that ongoing discussions regarding the moral and ethical dilemmas of our history remain alive, thus fostering a more profound understanding of the implications of our past actions. Sites like The Hermitage encourage critical thinking and reflection, which are necessary for a well-rounded education.

In conclusion, The Hermitage offers a rich tapestry of history that is important for understanding not just Andrew Jackson, but also the broader narratives of American democracy, politics, and social justice. Visiting this historic site is more than just a tour; it is an opportunity to engage with the complexities of history that continue to resonate in today’s society.

References

  • Brands, H. W. (2005). Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times. Doubleday.
  • National Park Service. (n.d.). The Hermitage. Retrieved from [Link]
  • Remini, R. V. (2001). Andrew Jackson and the Course of American Democracy, 1833-1845. HarperCollins.
  • Meacham, J. (2008). American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House. Random House.
  • Jackson, A. (1829). First Annual Message to Congress. Retrieved from [Link]
  • Dowd, C. (2005). Andrew Jackson: The Course of American Democracy. University of North Texas Press.
  • Oakes, J. (2016). The Ruling Race: A History of American Slaveholders. Vintage.
  • McFeely, W. S. (1991). Grant: A Biography. W.W. Norton & Company.
  • Wilentz, S. (2005). The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln. W.W. Norton & Company.
  • History.com. (2009). Andrew Jackson. Retrieved from [Link]

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