U.S. Presidents / Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson

1808 - 1875

Andrew Johnson

Legislation can neither be wise nor just which seeks the welfare of a single interest at the expense and to the injury of many...  Veto Message

Overview

Andrew Johnson gives truth to the saying that in America, anyone can grow up to become President. Born in a log cabin in North Carolina to nearly illiterate parents, Andrew Johnson did not master the basics of reading, grammar, or math until he met his wife at the age of seventeen. The only other man to attain the office of President with so little formal education was Abraham Lincoln. Whereas Lincoln is esteemed as America's greatest President, Johnson, his successor, is ranked as one of the worst.

Fast Facts

Raleigh, North Carolina
No formal affiliation
Tailor; Public Official
Democrat; Unionist
None
May 17, 1827, to Eliza McCardle (1810–1876)
Martha (1828–1901), Charles (1830–1863), Mary (1832–1883), Robert (1834–1869), Andrew (1852–1879)
17
Greeneville, Tennessee
Elizabeth R. Varon

Chicago Style

Miller Center of Public Affairs, University of Virginia. “Andrew Johnson.” Accessed December 11, 2024. https://prod.millercenter.org/president/johnson.

Professor of History

Elizabeth R. Varon

Professor Elizabeth R. Varon is the Langbourne M. Williams Professor of American History and Associate Director of the John L. Nau III Center for Civil War History at the University of Virginia.