Stuff You Should Know: Short Stuff Special – Andrew Jackson's Inauguration

Episode Release Date: June 11, 2025
Hosts: Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant
Guest: Jerry (sitting in for Dave Rues)

In this special episode of Stuff You Should Know, hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant delve into the vibrant and tumultuous inaugural celebration of Andrew Jackson in 1829. Joined by Jerry filling in for Dave Rues, the trio navigates through historical accounts, contrasting perspectives, and the enduring legacy of one of America's most populist presidents.

1. Introduction to Andrew Jackson’s Inauguration

The episode kicks off with Chuck Bryant expressing his aversion to politics, particularly the polarized nature of American discourse. Despite his personal feelings, he's eager to explore the political history surrounding Andrew Jackson's first inauguration.

"I have come to really detest politics, in particular, the American brand of zero sum outrage, politics that the entire nation's enmeshed in."
— Chuck Bryant [00:59]

2. Andrew Jackson: The Populist President

Dave Rues provides a foundational understanding of Andrew Jackson, highlighting his appeal to the "little people" and his status as possibly the first truly populist president in American history.

"Andrew Jackson was a very populist president, some say the very first one. And people loved him. They were like, he's for the little people."
— Dave Rues [01:06]

Jackson's decision to emulate George Washington by holding his inauguration at the White House was intended to make the presidency more accessible to everyday Americans. This move was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the public.

3. The 1829 Inauguration: Celebrations and Legends

Chuck Bryant introduces the legendary accounts of Andrew Jackson's inauguration, which suggest an unprecedented level of public celebration.

"There's just basically a legend of Andrew Jackson's inauguration in 1829 that they basically tore the roof off the White House. They partied so hard there."
— Chuck Bryant [01:45]

According to popular lore, an estimated 20,000 people flocked to Washington, D.C., celebrating Jackson's victory and participation in the government, marking a significant shift away from elite-dominated politics.

4. Contrasting Historical Accounts

However, the narrative isn’t solely one of unbridled celebration. Historians like Daniel Feller from the University of Tennessee caution against taking these exuberant accounts at face value.

"There are historians that say, hold your water there. It may not have been as wild as everyone thinks."
— Dave Rues [02:34]

Feller points out that much of the chaotic description stems from Margaret Bayard Smith's letters. Smith, who was not a supporter of Jackson, arrived late to the festivities and thus provided a biased and possibly exaggerated account of the events.

"She was tardy to the party. And also did not like Andrew Jackson and his politics. So probably had a pretty heavy slant on the chaos she described."
— Chuck Bryant [03:34]

Smith's portrayal includes vivid scenes of disorder, such as "muddy boots," "turning over tables," and "punch bowls," which have contributed to the enduring legend of a wild inaugural party.

5. Historiographical Analysis

Delving deeper, the hosts discuss other historical perspectives that either support or refute Smith's account. Daniel Webster, a contemporary and supporter of Jackson, offered a more measured description, noting the peaceful enthusiasm of the attendees.

"A lot of people have come 500 miles to see General Jackson. They really seem to think the country is rescued from some dreadful danger."
— Dave Rues [08:01]

Additionally, the Tennessee Historical Society's research revealed that while there was indeed significant turnout, the extent of the chaos may have been overstated. Senator James Hamilton of South Carolina described the festivities as a "regular Saturnalia," acknowledging some raucous behavior but minimizing the overall damage.

"He called it a regular Saturnalia, but he also said that most of the damage was minimal."
— Chuck Bryant [12:35]

This juxtaposition of accounts highlights the complexities in historical narratives, where personal biases and limited perspectives can shape the portrayal of events.

6. Modern Interpretations and Reflections

Chuck and Dave reflect on the nature of historical storytelling, acknowledging that while some elements of the inaugural celebration were likely exaggerated, the event remains a fascinating example of early American populism and political maneuvering.

"It was like a Black Friday sale, essentially, is what Margaret Smith was describing."
— Chuck Bryant [09:38]

They also touch upon the role of contemporary media in propagating these stories, much like how modern narratives can be influenced by media biases.

7. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Chuck Bryant emphasizing the blend of truth and embellishment in historical accounts, leaving listeners with a nuanced understanding of Andrew Jackson's inauguration.

"It is a fun story, and we love fun history stories."
— Chuck Bryant [12:37]

Stuff You Should Know successfully navigates the intricate tapestry of historical narratives, providing listeners with both engaging storytelling and critical analysis. Whether the inaugural party was as wild as some legends suggest or a more subdued affair, the discussion underscores the enduring impact of Andrew Jackson's presidency on American political culture.

Notable Quotes:

• "Andrew Jackson was a very populist president, some say the very first one."
  — Dave Rues [01:06]

• "There's just basically a legend of Andrew Jackson's inauguration in 1829 that they basically tore the roof off the White House."
  — Chuck Bryant [01:45]

• "She was tardy to the party. And also did not like Andrew Jackson and his politics."
  — Chuck Bryant [03:34]

• "A lot of people have come 500 miles to see General Jackson."
  — Dave Rues [08:01]

• "He called it a regular Saturnalia, but he also said that most of the damage was minimal."
  — Chuck Bryant [12:35]

For those intrigued by the interplay of history and legend, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of one of America's early political spectacles, blending engaging dialogue with insightful analysis.