The centerpiece of Jackson Square, New Orleans, Louisiana, is a statue of General Andrew Jackson, mounted on a rearing horse. Jackson is a Tennessean (originally from North Carolina) who became a national hero after decisively defeating the British at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812. He went on to become the seventh president of the United States.
Andrew Jackson is not to be confused with Confederate General Stonewall Jackson who won fame years later during the War Between the States.
It was during the War of 1812 that Jackson earned his nickname of "Old Hickory." He had been ordered to march his Tennessee troops to Natchez, Mississippi. Upon arrival, Jackson was told to disband his men because they were unneeded. He refused to disband the men and marched them back to up the Natchez Trace to Tennessee.
Because of his strict discipline during this march Jackson's men began to say he was as tough as hickory and the nickname stuck. I have mixed feeling about Andrew Jackson. He was a leader who had many admirable qualities and was known for his common touch. Yet, as president, he was also instrumental in the "Indian Removal" which resulted in the infamous "Trail of Tears," one of the most shameful episodes in American history.
Historians say he was a "man of his times." Those times are difficult for those of us who live in a more tolerant age to comprehend.
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