Title: Oil Portrait of Andrew Johnson

Description: After President Abraham Lincoln’s death, Andrew Johnson assumed the presidency and the difficult task of rebuilding the country. Pardon seekers flooded the White House. As governor of Tennessee, his mild Reconstruction plan met with success, but it made enemies in Congress who impeached President Johnson. The charges were weak, and the impeachment failed to end in a conviction. After the trial ended, President Johnson joyfully threw parties, dinners, and children’s events. When the conservatory built under President Buchanan burned down in 1867, Johnson ordered it to be rebuilt. He expanded his office space and installed a telegraph room in 1866. The basement held a schoolroom for President Johnson’s grandchildren.

Date: 1880

Creator: Eliphalet F. Andrews

Credit: White House Historical Association (White House Collection)