On Feb. 24, 1868, the United States Congress initiated impeachment against President Andrew Johnson, the first time such action had been taken against a sitting president. Johnson, who had ascended to the presidency upon the 1865 assassination of Abraham Lincoln, frequently sparred with Congress throughout his term over Reconstruction matters, but it was his violation of the Tenure of Office Act that brought about his impeachment. Today, Johnson’s complicated legacy is on display for groups at several sites around the country, most notably the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Tennessee.
Johnson’s dismissal of Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton came without approval of the U.S. Senate, thus violating the Tenure of Office Act. Following Johnson’s impeachment, his Senate trial began on March 4 and lasted for 11 weeks. Johnson escaped being removed from office by just a single vote. He unsuccessfully sought the Democratic Party nomination later that year, then was elected to Senate from Tennessee in 1875, only to die in office four months later.
Johnson is consistently ranked by presidential historians as among the country’s worst presidents for his impeachment, opposition to civil rights efforts, and blocking Reconstruction initiatives, among other controversies. But he remains an interesting historical figure as he rose to the presidency despite never having formal schooling, was the first president to be impeached, and is the only president to serve in the Senate following his term.
The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site is located in Greeneville, Tennessee, where Johnson lived much of his adult life. The site includes Johnson’s first Greeneville home, his larger homestead several blocks away, and his final resting place in the cemetery that bears his name. There also is a replica of his birthplace home, though Johnson was actually born in Raleigh, North Carolina. Guided tours are available for no charge, but groups of 11 or more must make advanced reservations.
For more information, visit the National Park Service website.
Main Image: Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Greeneville, Tennessee; Credit: Adobe/Zack Frank
