Presidental Families: Andrew Jackson

The East Room of the White House was completed and furnished, and the North Portico, began a few weeks after Jackson moved in, was finished in September 1829. Running water was installed in 1833. Most people today, accustomed to modern conveniences, cannot imagine the vast improvement in daily life this brought to the house.

Presidental Families: Andrew Jackson

The first president born in a log cabin, Andrew Jackson cultivated his frontiersman image. he was a dynamic military leader and his role in the defeat of the British at the Battle of New Orleans elevated him to a national hero. In 1824 he seemed destined to ride into the White House on his popularity. He did, receive the most popular and electoral votes, but did not receive a majority. The House of representatives decided the race if favor of John Quincy Adams, outraging Jackson's supports.