Andrew Jackson was the 7th president of the United States, serving between the years 1829 and 1837. He is one of the most popular and controversial presidents in American history. Here are some fascinating facts about President Andrew Jackson that you probably didn’t know.

1. Jackson fought in a duel and took a bullet for insulting his wife. In 1806, he found himself in a duel with Charles Dickinson over a feud that started with a horse race. Dickinson shot Jackson in the chest before being killed himself.
2. Andrew Jackson was the first president to invite the public to his inauguration. Throwing open the White House doors, Jackson invited the public to attend his inauguration. The occasion marked a major shift in American politics toward a more democratic and populist style.
3. Jackson expanded suffrage to white males. In Jackson’s view, all white males should be allowed to vote, not just the wealthy elite. This move paved the way for the growth of America’s democratic institutions.
4. The Indian Removal Act was enacted under Jackson’s presidency. Despite being controversial, it was intended to relocate the Native American tribes east of Mississippi to the west of the river.
5. Jackson’s “Kitchen Cabinet” had an enormous influence on his policies. He would consult with a group of trusted advisors in his kitchen, rather than his official Cabinet. This resulted in a more informal approach to governance and made him less reliant on formal advisers.
6. Jackson’s “spoils system” was a hallmark of his presidency. He was a staunch defender of the spoils system, which rewarded political supporters with government jobs. This system came under fire, as it was seen as a form of corruption.
7. Jackson’s nickname, “Old Hickory,” was a tribute to his toughness. Jackson was known for his ferocity and tenacity in battle. The nickname stuck with him for the rest of his life.
8. He is the only U.S. President to have paid off the national debt. Jackson used his power to veto reforms that would have increased government spending. As a result, the U.S. was able to pay off its national debt.
9. Jackson was strongly opposed to the central bank. He vetoed the renewal of the Second Bank of the United States’ charter, leading to its eventual collapse.

Andrew Jackson’s legacy as a president is complicated, and he is debated to this day. However, one point can be agreed upon- his presidency was marked by a drive to make America more democratic and to give more Americans a voice in government. His influence on the evolution of the United States cannot be denied.