Rachel Donelson Jackson (June 15, 1767 – December 22, 1828) was the long-time companion and wife of Andrew Jackson. She lived much of her adult life on the American frontier and was a central figure in Jackson's private life and public image. Her marriage became a focal point of political controversy during the 1828 presidential campaign.

Early life and marriage

Born Rachel Donelson, she married young and later separated from her first husband. Believing herself legally divorced, she married Andrew Jackson; when the earlier divorce was later found to have not been finalized at the time of that wedding, critics accused the couple of impropriety. To resolve the uncertainty the pair were married again after the divorce was completed. Their relationship was described by contemporaries as devoted and affectionate.

Controversy and the 1828 campaign

During the bitter presidential campaign of 1828, opponents used the circumstances of Rachel's earlier marriage to attack her character and to embarrass Andrew Jackson. These personal assaults were unusually harsh for the era and caused great distress to the Jacksons. Jackson later blamed the political campaign for contributing to Rachel's declining health.

Death and historical significance

Rachel Jackson died on December 22, 1828, after her husband had won the election but before he took the oath of office. Because she died prior to the inauguration she never served as First Lady; other family members performed social duties during Jackson's presidency. Her death shaped public sympathy for Andrew Jackson and remains a notable episode in early 19th-century American political history.

Notable facts

  • Marriage partner: Andrew Jackson, seventh president of the United States.
  • Presidency context: Elected in 1828, inaugurated in 1829; Rachel died after the election but before the inauguration (inauguration).
  • Public role: Never served as First Lady; social duties during Jackson's presidency were carried out by relatives and appointees (First Lady).
  • Political legacy: Her personal story was used in campaign attacks and affected public opinion during the election period (presidency).

Rachel Jackson is remembered less for public achievements than for the influence she exercised on Andrew Jackson and for how her private life intersected with the rough-and-tumble politics of the early republic.