An Evening with General Andrew Jackson

Revisit the high point of the capital city’s social life in 1840 with “An Evening with General Andrew Jackson” at the Old Capitol Museum on Thursday, January 19 at 6 p.m. Bill Patrick will portray the seventh president and former general as he reminisces about his life, and Lester Senter Wilson will perform period songs. Wine and light hors d’oeuvres will be served, and a reception with the actors will follow.

“The evening is a very intimate experience because Bill as Jackson is sharing stories about his life and his dear wife Rachel,” said Wilson. “Bill asked me to be a part of this because Rachel was so important to Jackson’s life even after her death. I’ll sing several songs that recall memories of his wife and their life together, including ‘Yankee Doodle’ and ‘Hunters of Kentucky.’”

In January of 1840, Jackson traveled to New Orleans to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of his victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans. Upon hearing of the former president’s travel plans, the citizens of Jackson invited him to visit his namesake city after New Orleans. Preparations began in earnest once Jackson accepted the invitation, and the nearly finished state capitol was decorated with greenery and “illuminated” for the special occasion. General Jackson’s three-day stay included a military salute, a ball, a procession, and a formal ceremony at the state capitol–what is now the Old Capitol.

Tickets for the event are $25. Proceeds will benefit programming and other needs at the Old Capitol Museum. Sponsors for the event are C Spire Foundation (Gold), Jones Walker, Michael McRee, MINACT, Inc. (Silver), Nancy and Spencer Gilbert, Glynn Griffing & Associates, StateStreet Group, and Mary and Wirt Yerger (Bronze). For more information or to purchase a ticket, call 601-576-6855.