Before we delve deep into the mystery of how Elizabeth's grave ended up on the College of Charleston campus, let's start with some brief history.
According to waymarking.com Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson (c. 1740 – November 2, 1781 Charleston, South Carolina) was the mother of US President Andrew Jackson. She was born in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Ireland. According to local historian, Patrick Harwood, Elizabeth died from cholera during the time of the Revolutionary War, however it is uncertain where exactly she was buried.
The vast majority of College of Charleston students and faculty walk by Andrew Jackson's mothers grave daily.
A 2008 biography written by Jon Meacham, on President Andrew Jackson states, “He long sought the whereabouts of his mother’s grave, but to no avail. Perhaps partly in reaction to what he may have viewed as the lack of respect or care others had taken with his mother’s burial, he became a careful steward of such things -- a devotee of souvenirs, a keeper of tombs, and an observer of anniversaries.” (The Post and Courier)
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| Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson Grave at Cougar Mall |
A 2008 biography written by Jon Meacham, on President Andrew Jackson states, “He long sought the whereabouts of his mother’s grave, but to no avail. Perhaps partly in reaction to what he may have viewed as the lack of respect or care others had taken with his mother’s burial, he became a careful steward of such things -- a devotee of souvenirs, a keeper of tombs, and an observer of anniversaries.” (The Post and Courier)
I believe that it is fair to agree with the statement that she was indeed buried in Charleston, SC. Andrew Jackson was very determined to find out the whereabouts of his mothers remains. Jackson states in a letter he wrote, "I knew she died near Charleston, having visited that City with several matrons...I well recollect one of the matrons that went with her was Mrs. Barton. If possible, Mrs. Barton can inform me where she was buried that I can find her grave. This to me would be great satisfaction, that I might collect her bones and inter them with that of my father and brothers." (womenhistoryblog)
President Jackson recruited James H. Witherspoon with the hope of finding more information on the exact location of his mother. A letter from Witherspoon to Jackson states, "“Your mother is buried in the suburbs of Charleston about one mile from what was then called the Governor’s Gate, which is in and about the forks of Meeting and Kingstreet Roads.” (Post and Courier)
President Jackson recruited James H. Witherspoon with the hope of finding more information on the exact location of his mother. A letter from Witherspoon to Jackson states, "“Your mother is buried in the suburbs of Charleston about one mile from what was then called the Governor’s Gate, which is in and about the forks of Meeting and Kingstreet Roads.” (Post and Courier)
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