Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, is buried in the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery, situated within the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Greeneville, Tennessee. Following his explicit deathbed instructions, Johnson was wrapped in an American flag and buried with his personal copy of the U.S. Constitution placed beneath his head.
Historical Context and the Death of Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson’s path to the presidency and his eventual burial in East Tennessee remain unique chapters in American political history. Born into poverty in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1808, Johnson settled in Greeneville, Tennessee, as a young tailor. Through local politics, he rose to become a U.S. Representative, Governor of Tennessee, U.S. Senator, and Military Governor during the Civil War. Selected by Abraham Lincoln as his vice-presidential running mate on the 1864 National Union ticket, Johnson unexpectedly succeeded to the presidency following Lincoln’s assassination in April 1865.
Johnson’s presidency (1865–1869) was defined by intense political conflict over Reconstruction, culminating in his 1868 impeachment by the House of Representatives and subsequent acquittal by a single vote in the Senate. Despite the political turmoil of his term, Johnson retained deep support among his Tennessee constituency. In early 1875, he achieved the unprecedented feat of being re-elected to the U.S. Senate—making him the only former U.S. president to serve in the Senate after leaving the White House.
His return to national office was short-lived. While visiting his daughter Mary near Carter Station (Elizabethton), Tennessee, Johnson suffered a stroke and died on July 31, 1875, at the age of 66.
Prior to his death, Johnson left precise instructions regarding his burial. He requested that his body be wrapped in a 34-star American flag—symbolizing the Union he fought to preserve—and that his well-worn copy of the U.S. Constitution be placed under his head as a pillow. These choices reflected his lifelong political posture as a defender of the Union and a strict textualist regarding constitutional authority.
| Date / Year | Andrew Johnson Burial Timeline |
|---|---|
| 1852 | Johnson purchases Signal Hill property in Greeneville, TN |
| July 31, 1875 | Johnson dies near Carter Station, TN |
| August 3, 1875 | Buried on Signal Hill wrapped in the U.S. flag |
| 1878 | Marble obelisk monument dedicated by Johnson's children |
| 1906 | Congress establishes Andrew Johnson National Cemetery |
| 1942 | National Park Service assumes management of the cemetery |
Design and Architecture of the Grave Monument
Andrew Johnson’s grave is situated on the highest elevation of what was historically known as Signal Hill, a high vantage point overlooking Greeneville and the surrounding Unaka Mountains. Johnson had purchased the 23-acre parcel in 1852, drawn to its sweeping views and quiet setting, often taking daily walks or retreats to the hill during his private life.
In 1878, three years after his death, Johnson’s surviving children erected a tall marble monument over his grave. The design combines classical funerary symbolism with explicit patriotic motifs:
- The Obelisk: A soaring shaft of white marble resting on a polished granite base, serving as the central spire of the burial plot.
- The Perched Eagle: At the top of the obelisk sits an American eagle carved from marble, depicted with wings extended toward the sky.
- Draped Flag: An American flag is carved as if draped across the upper section of the monument column.
- The Inscription: Carved directly onto the marble shaft is the famous line: "His faith in the people never faltered."
Surrounding Johnson’s central monument is the official family plot. His wife, Eliza McCardle Johnson, who suffered from chronic illness for much of her adult life and died less than six months after her husband in January 1876, lies beside him. Other family members, including his children and direct descendants, are interred within the immediate perimeter of the monument plot.
Evolution from Family Plot to National Cemetery
While initially established as a private family burial ground on Signal Hill, the site underwent significant institutional transformations over the following decades to preserve the former president’s resting place.
The 1906 Congressional Designation
In accordance with the desires of the Johnson family and local civic leaders, the United States Congress passed legislation in 1906 officially establishing the site as the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery. The federal government assumed responsibility for maintaining the land, expanding its function beyond the presidential plot to serve as an official burial ground for U.S. military veterans.
Transfer to the National Park Service
Management of the cemetery was initially assigned to the War Department. However, in May 1942, administration of the cemetery was transferred to the Department of the Interior’s National Park Service (NPS) to consolidate the burial site with other historical properties associated with Johnson in Greeneville.
Today, Andrew Johnson National Cemetery is one of only two national cemeteries administered by the National Park Service that contains a U.S. president's grave (the other being the Battleground National Cemetery associated with Abraham Lincoln's presidency, though Lincoln himself is buried in Springfield, Illinois). It is an active burial ground for eligible veterans and their spouses, housing thousands of graves spanning conflicts from the Civil War to modern military engagements.
Logistics for Visiting Andrew Johnson’s Grave
Visiting Andrew Johnson’s grave is straightforward, as the cemetery grounds are fully integrated into the National Park Service infrastructure in Greeneville, Tennessee.
Location and GPS Address
The cemetery is located roughly one mile from historic downtown Greeneville:
- Site Address: 121 Monument Avenue, Greeneville, TN 37743
- Coordinates: 36.1578° N, 82.8256° W
- Parking: Dedicated vehicular parking is available at the cemetery entrance, including designated accessible parking spaces.
Operating Hours and Fees
- Admission: Free. There are no entrance fees for the cemetery or any component of the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site.
- Ground Hours: The cemetery gates are generally open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Eastern Time). The site is closed on major federal holidays including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
- Visitor Center: Located separately downtown at 101 N. College Street, where visitors can pick up site maps, view museum exhibits, and speak with NPS rangers.
Accessibility and Walking Paths
A paved circular roadway winds up the gradient of Cemetery Hill, leading directly to the top where the presidential monument is located.
- Foot Traffic: Visitors can walk up the paved path or utilize concrete staircases equipped with handrails.
- Mobility Access: Vehicles carrying visitors with mobility limitations may drive up the paved access loop to park near the top of the hill.
- Ground Rules: As an active military cemetery, visitors are required to maintain a respectful demeanor. Recreational activities, pets (except service animals), and disruptive behavior are prohibited within the cemetery boundaries.
Technical Specifications and Visitor Comparison Matrix
To help plan a visit, the following table summarizes key operational, geographical, and historical details of the Andrew Johnson burial site:
| Operational Parameter | Details / Specifications |
|---|---|
| Site Name | Andrew Johnson National Cemetery (Andrew Johnson National Historic Site) |
| Managing Entity | National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior) |
| Location | 121 Monument Avenue, Greeneville, Tennessee 37743 |
| Elevation / Landmark | Cemetery Hill (formerly Signal Hill) |
| Primary Monument | White marble obelisk topped with a sculpted eagle |
| Famous Inscription | "His faith in the people never faltered." |
| Burial Artifacts | Wrapped in 34-star U.S. Flag; U.S. Constitution under head |
| Admission Cost | Free ($0.00) |
| Active Burial Status | Active for eligible military veterans and dependents |
| Nearest Visitor Center | 101 N. College Street, Greeneville, TN (approx. 1 mile away) |
Exploring the Surrounding Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
A trip to Andrew Johnson’s grave is best combined with a complete tour of the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, which preserves three distinct physical locations in Greeneville that chronicle his life from tailor to president.
- ANDREW JOHNSON NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE UNITS
- VISITOR CENTER & TAILOR SHOP (101 N. College St.)
- EARLY HOME & HOMESTEAD SITE (207 Main Street)
- NATIONAL CEMETERY & GRAVESITE MONUMENT (121 Monument Avenue)
1. The Visitor Center and Tailor Shop
Located at the intersection of College and Depot Streets, the main Visitor Center houses an extensive collection of presidential artifacts, interactive museum displays, and an orientation film. Preserved entirely inside the climate-controlled Visitor Center building is Johnson’s original Tailor Shop, constructed in the 1830s. Visitors can view the very workbench where Johnson worked as a young craftsman while listening to friends read public newspapers and political debates aloud.
2. The Early Home
Located across from the Visitor Center, this simple brick structure was Johnson’s residence during the 1830s and 1840s as his political career began to take shape. It offers insight into the modest domestic life of mid-19th-century East Tennessee working-class families.
3. The Homestead
Located at 207 Main Street, the Johnson Homestead was the family's primary residence from 1851 until his death in 1875 (excluding his years in Washington). Occupied by Confederate forces during the Civil War and subsequently used as a military hospital, the home was carefully restored by the Johnson family and later by the National Park Service. It contains original family furniture, presidential gifts, and personal belongings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Andrew Johnson buried?
Andrew Johnson is buried in the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery, located at 121 Monument Avenue in Greeneville, Tennessee. The cemetery is part of the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, which is managed by the National Park Service.
Why was Andrew Johnson buried with the U.S. Constitution under his head?
Throughout his political career, Johnson framed his constitutional interpretations as the foundation of his public service. On his deathbed, he explicitly requested that his personal, well-thumbed copy of the U.S. Constitution be placed under his head as a pillow, signifying his commitment to the document.
Is there an admission fee to visit Andrew Johnson's grave?
No, visiting the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery and the rest of the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site is entirely free. Parking at the site is also free for visitors.
Can military veterans still be buried in Andrew Johnson National Cemetery?
Yes, Andrew Johnson National Cemetery remains an active national cemetery for eligible veterans and their qualified family members, managed directly by the National Park Service rather than the Department of Veterans Affairs.
What is written on the Andrew Johnson monument?
The primary inscription on the marble shaft of Johnson's grave monument reads: "His faith in the people never faltered." The base also lists his dates of birth, presidency, and death, alongside memorial markers for his wife, Eliza McCardle Johnson.
Recommended Actions for Visitors
If you are planning a trip to visit Andrew Johnson's grave and historical site:
- Start at the Visitor Center: Begin your tour at 101 N. College Street in downtown Greeneville to obtain self-guided tour maps, view the museum artifacts, and check for any daily ranger-led programs.
- Visit the Tailor Shop and Homestead: Walk through the preserved Tailor Shop inside the Visitor Center complex before walking two blocks south to tour the Homestead on Main Street.
- Drive or Walk to Monument Hill: Proceed to 121 Monument Avenue. Park at the base or loop drive, then walk up to the summit of Cemetery Hill to inspect the obelisk monument, read the historical markers, and view the Unaka Mountain landscape.
- Verify Seasonal Hours: Before traveling, check the official National Park Service website for the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site to confirm current operating schedules and weather-related road closures on Cemetery Hill.
