Andrew Jackson’s magnolia tree, planted sometime between 1829 and 1835, is set to be dramatically cut back this week. After almost 200 years, one of the leaders is apparently so delicate that it’s completely dependent on decades of repairs with steel rods and cables. Luckily, the wood will be preserved and seeds will be kept for a possible replanting – and if anyone reading this has connections to get their hands on one, you know where to send it!
The magnolia tree was planted in memory to Rachel Jackson, who died of a heart attack a couple weeks after the election of 1828. Despite signs of her ailing health long before, Andrew Jackson always blamed the vicious smear campaign of supporters of John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay for her death. In Jackson’s defense (which I don’t give often), the attacks were pretty rough. In 1787, Rachel married a Captain Lewis Robards but separated three years later. Because of the difficult process of getting a divorce in the early 18th century, the court never finalized it. By 1793, when Rachel and Andrew claimed to have eloped in Florida, she was unknowingly married to two men, and the smears of bigamy were used to try and bring Andrew Jackson down.
Interestingly enough, in a rare act of Jackson resembling a modern-day feminist, he supported Peggy Eaton, the wife of the Secretary of War, during the Petticoat Affair. Peggy was the target of smears and innuendo for not being a “proper woman” which led to the other wives of Jackson’s cabinet ostracizing her. Jackson stood by Peggy as he was reminded of the same kinds of attacks against his late wife. The events of the Petticoat Affair would lead directly to the election of Martin Van Buren as the next President.
And as I write this, 2PO just hit 1000 subscribers on GoComics, so thank you all for following the comic and for sharing your knowledge and civil debate in the comments. Your contributions have definitely made me want to make the comic better every day.
Brian, Congratulations on surpassing the 1000 mark. Given the quality of your work, your followers will keep on increasing. Greg Evans, prepare for some competition!
If you ever decide to do caricatures of famous ‘also-rans’ Henry Clay would be a great addition. As well as William Jennings Bryan and Ralph Nader. Let their voices be heard!
The click-bait headlines blaming the situation on Melania are shameful. And I am DEFINITELY not a fan of hers – tired of the Trumpettes calling the work-visa violating nude model such a “classy” first lady after the nasty names they called Michelle Obama.
Brian Carroll: A possible favor, if you could! Could you provide a “key” of sorts for us to recognize some of the lesser known characters? Sure, we pretty much know what Teddy and Franklin looked like, but what about Rutherford and other lesser known presidents? Just a thought.
I’ll echo a couple things others have already said:1. Congratulations Mr. Carroll on surpassing 1000 subscribers! I suspect hitting the 2K mark won’t take long.2. I think Melania is an awful FLOTUS and basically a gold digger but I don’t hold her accountable for the “Magnolia Massacre” decision. Professional arborists have made the call and she’s just rubber stamping it. I doubt she knows a magnolia from a maple. As a treehugger, I am ok with this decision. The saplings will carry on the tradition.
By the way, saplings from historic trees are available on-line (of course). I’ve seen a number of them. The tree by Burnside Bridge, at Antietam, comes to mind. Here is a link to one such site: https://americanheritagetrees.org/
Brian Carroll creator over 6 years ago
Andrew Jackson’s magnolia tree, planted sometime between 1829 and 1835, is set to be dramatically cut back this week. After almost 200 years, one of the leaders is apparently so delicate that it’s completely dependent on decades of repairs with steel rods and cables. Luckily, the wood will be preserved and seeds will be kept for a possible replanting – and if anyone reading this has connections to get their hands on one, you know where to send it!
The magnolia tree was planted in memory to Rachel Jackson, who died of a heart attack a couple weeks after the election of 1828. Despite signs of her ailing health long before, Andrew Jackson always blamed the vicious smear campaign of supporters of John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay for her death. In Jackson’s defense (which I don’t give often), the attacks were pretty rough. In 1787, Rachel married a Captain Lewis Robards but separated three years later. Because of the difficult process of getting a divorce in the early 18th century, the court never finalized it. By 1793, when Rachel and Andrew claimed to have eloped in Florida, she was unknowingly married to two men, and the smears of bigamy were used to try and bring Andrew Jackson down.
Interestingly enough, in a rare act of Jackson resembling a modern-day feminist, he supported Peggy Eaton, the wife of the Secretary of War, during the Petticoat Affair. Peggy was the target of smears and innuendo for not being a “proper woman” which led to the other wives of Jackson’s cabinet ostracizing her. Jackson stood by Peggy as he was reminded of the same kinds of attacks against his late wife. The events of the Petticoat Affair would lead directly to the election of Martin Van Buren as the next President.
And as I write this, 2PO just hit 1000 subscribers on GoComics, so thank you all for following the comic and for sharing your knowledge and civil debate in the comments. Your contributions have definitely made me want to make the comic better every day.
Masterskrain over 6 years ago
Sadly, the tree isn’t the ONLY “Rotten Thing” on the White House Grounds…
Mostly Water Premium Member over 6 years ago
Brian, Congratulations on surpassing the 1000 mark. Given the quality of your work, your followers will keep on increasing. Greg Evans, prepare for some competition!
Durak Premium Member over 6 years ago
If you ever decide to do caricatures of famous ‘also-rans’ Henry Clay would be a great addition. As well as William Jennings Bryan and Ralph Nader. Let their voices be heard!
Nantucket Premium Member over 6 years ago
The click-bait headlines blaming the situation on Melania are shameful. And I am DEFINITELY not a fan of hers – tired of the Trumpettes calling the work-visa violating nude model such a “classy” first lady after the nasty names they called Michelle Obama.
Cheapskate0 over 6 years ago
Brian Carroll: A possible favor, if you could! Could you provide a “key” of sorts for us to recognize some of the lesser known characters? Sure, we pretty much know what Teddy and Franklin looked like, but what about Rutherford and other lesser known presidents? Just a thought.
Smitty over 6 years ago
I’ll echo a couple things others have already said:1. Congratulations Mr. Carroll on surpassing 1000 subscribers! I suspect hitting the 2K mark won’t take long.2. I think Melania is an awful FLOTUS and basically a gold digger but I don’t hold her accountable for the “Magnolia Massacre” decision. Professional arborists have made the call and she’s just rubber stamping it. I doubt she knows a magnolia from a maple. As a treehugger, I am ok with this decision. The saplings will carry on the tradition.
Durak Premium Member over 6 years ago
By the way, saplings from historic trees are available on-line (of course). I’ve seen a number of them. The tree by Burnside Bridge, at Antietam, comes to mind. Here is a link to one such site: https://americanheritagetrees.org/