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The Dueling Andrew Jackson Birthplace Monuments

North and South Carolina have many rivalries - BBQ, beaches, flagship universities that both claim to be the 'Real Carolina' - and to a lesser extent, the birthplace of Andrew Jackson.  Somewhere in modern-day Union County in North Carolina or Lancaster County in South Carolina, the seventh President of the United States was born.

The North Carolina Andrew Jackson Birthplace Monument - which is only accessible via South Carolina.

Both states have monuments dedicated to Jackson's birthplace no more than two miles from each other. South Carolina's is located within a state park named after the former President.  North Carolina's monument was erected first, but it is only accessible via South Carolina.

So where was Andrew Jackson born?  In the Waxhaws region of the Carolinas - an area of land home to the Waxhaw Tribe that consists of both states. 

The South Carolina Andrew Jackson Birthplace Monument is located within Andrew Jackson State Park.

Jackson was either born at what was once the Crawford Plantation in South Carolina or the George McCamie cabin in North Carolina.  And according to Jackson - he was born in the South Carolina side of the region.

Military uniforms of the American Revolution found inside the museum inside Andrew Jackson State Park.

North Carolina's Jackson Birthplace Monument was erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1910.  South Carolina dedicated their own Jackson birthplace monument seventeen years later.  In 1952, South Carolina established Andrew Jackson State Park.  In the decades since, South Carolina has expanded its claims to Jackson's birth state with a statue and small museum.

Andrew Jackson State Park

A replica late 18th/early 19th century rural one-room schoolhouse is one of the features of Andrew Jackson State Park.

Andrew Jackson State Park is a small but enjoyable location.  It is roughly 360 acres in size.  The park boasts an Andrew Jackson Museum, a replica schoolhouse from the late 18th/early 19th century, boating and fishing (note that only non-gasoline powered boats are allowed on the lake), hiking trails, and an amphitheater.

The 'Boy of the Waxhaws' statue honoring Jackson at South Carolina's Andrew Jackson State Park.

Admission is $3 for adults, $1.50 for Seniors, and $1 for children 5-12.  Park Hours are: 8 a.m.-6 p.m., daily from Nov.1-March 31; 9 a.m.-9 p.m., daily April 1-Oct. 31.

All photos taken by post author - March 5, 2024.

How Close Are the Two Sites?


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