Friends of the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site

04/15/2026

On This Day in history: Andrew Johnson was sworn in as the 17th President of the United States.

On April 14th, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. On April 15th, 1865, Abraham Lincoln died at 7:22 a.m. in the Petersen Boarding House. Later that morning around 11 o’clock, Lincoln’s Vice President, Andrew Johnson, was inaugurated at Kirkwood House in Washington, D.C. Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase administered the presidential oath of office. Since Lincoln was assassinated only 42 days into his second term as president, Andrew Johnson’s only term as president was a partial term of the remaining 3 years and 323 days.

Several cabinet members and senators were witnesses to President Johnson’s inauguration. Johnson gave a statement following his oath, which served as his inaugural address under the circumstances:

“Gentlemen, I must be permitted to say that I have been almost overwhelmed by the announcement of the sad event which has so recently occurred. I feel incompetent to perform duties so important and responsible as those which have been so unexpectedly thrown upon me…In conclusion, gentlemen, let me say that I want your encouragement and countenance. I shall ask and rely upon you and others in carrying the government through its present perils. I feel in making this request that it will be heartily responded to by you and all other patriots and lovers of the rights and interests of a free people.”

02/16/2026

12/05/2025

Over 2,000 wreaths adorned with red Christmas bows were laid on the graves of veterans in Andrew Johnson National Cemetery on Thursday morning in memory of their service through The

11/29/2025

11/10/2025

It's that time again! Wreaths of Remembrance time. If you would like to help ensure all headstones at our National Cemetery have a Christmas wreath, please scan below to donate. Thank you so much! ❤️🤍💙

09/17/2025

On this day in history, September 17th, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Since 1952, Constitution Day has been formally recognized as a day to commemorate and emphasize education about the U.S. Constitution.

The U.S. Constitution is a living document, originally consisting of seven articles, which defines the structure of the United States government. The Constitution outlines the separation of powers and the three branches of government: the Executive Branch, Legislative Branch, and Judicial Branch. The articles in the U.S. Constitution also describe the rights and responsibilities of state governments and the process of constitutional amendments (ratifying the Constitution).

Since 1789, the Constitution has been amended 27 times. The first ten amendments are well-known as the Bill of Rights. The 13th - 15th amendments occurred during the Reconstruction era in U.S. history and during Andrew Johnson's lifetime.

Across the country, educational programs take place on this day to emphasize the importance of civic engagement and understanding the U.S. Constitution. Staff from Andrew Johnson National Historic Site will take part in presenting educational programs about the U.S. Constitution in local classrooms, and there will be special activities for our visitors on Constitution Day in the Memorial Building at Andrew Johnson National Historic Site.

08/20/2025

“The American Revolution Experience,” a traveling exhibit at the Greeneville Greene County History Museum through Aug. 20, is a fitting tribute as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its