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Documenting a Nation's Struggle 1861-1865

Andrew Johnson National Historic Site will host an exhibit commemorating the Civil War. Andrew Johnson's political and personal story is linked to that of Tennessee during the war. Tennessee was the last state to leave the Union during the secession crisis, and the first to come back under Union control. As such, Tennessee's story was also intertwined with the greater events of the state and the country. Abraham Lincoln had such trust in Johnson's devotion to the Union and his capabilities as a politician that he appointed Johnson Military Governor of Tennessee in 1862. While Military Governor, Johnson often conflicted with military personnel as he worked tirelessly to make Tennessee's readmission to the Union a reality.

During this time he freed not only his personal slaves, but all the slaves in Tennessee. The Emancipation Proclamation did not extend to the state of Tennessee as it was no longer considered a "state in rebellion." The exhibit tells this story through the eyes of the main characters stated Superintendent Lizzie Watts. Using objects, letters and other documents from our museum collection we can better understand the personal struggles that this family and nation endured continues Watts.

During the Civil War Andrew Johnson lost a son and son-in-law, his family spent time as refugees, and his slaves were confiscated.

All these events have been commemorated in the Andrew Johnson Visitor Center museum on the corner of College and Depot Streets in downtown Greeneville, TN. The exhibit is part of the Civil War's Sesquicentennial, or 150^th, anniversary.

Highlights of the exhibit include a copy of Johnson's commission as Military Governor. This commission is signed by Edwin Stanton, who would someday become a key figure in Andrew Johnson's impeachment.

In addition, there are letters sent to Abraham Lincoln, a railroad pass used by Johnson's son Robert and a letter for payment sent to Andrew Johnson by a Knoxville lady who boarded his slaves during the fall of 1863.

As appreciation for his service, Johnson received gifts from the "loyal men of Nashville" in the form of a silver set and from the African-American community in the form of an engraved gold pocket watch. A goblet from the silver set and the pocket watch are both on display.