Andrew Jackson

Born at Waxhaw near the North-South Carolina border, Andrew Jackson (1767 - 1845) grew up to become a lawyer, war hero, and the seventh president of the U.S. Unlike most other politicians of his time, his family was not wealthy. His father died before he was born. In 1780 at age 13, he became a Revolutionary War scout and messenger. One year later, he was captured by the British, forced to march to a prison in South Carolina, then orphaned when his mother died.

At age 20 he earned a license to practice law and was elected to the senate in 1797. During the War of 1812, he fought the Creek Indians in Alabama. In 1815 he commanded the American troops that successfully defended New Orleans, Louisiana from British invasion. Jackson was so tough in battle that his men nicknamed him Old Hickory.

Andrew Jackson was elected president by a landslide in 1828. He served two terms. He is remembered as a fair, if outspoken president.