Learn About The 50 States
Andrew Johnson (1808)close
Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1808, Andrew Johnson grew up uneducated and in poverty. At the age of 13 he was apprenticed to a tailor. Two years later, Johnson ran away from home and eventually opened a tailor shop in Greenville, Tennessee.
Johnson became mayor of Greenville at the age of 22, served in the Tennessee assembly for six years, was a congressman from 1843 - 1853 and became the governor of Tennessee in 1853. Although he was a Southerner, Johnson opposed secession and remained in the Senate even when Tennessee left the Union. He served as Vice President under Abraham Lincoln, and President after Lincoln's death.
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Looking for a famous American?
This page presents short biographies of more than 200 famous Americans drawn from our unit, "The 50 States." These personalities are arranged by theme.
Just click a theme at the top of the page to view a selection list for that theme.
African Americans:
Artists:
Business Leaders:
National "Characters":
| Phineas Taylor "P.T." Barnum | Clyde Barrow | John Wilkes Booth |
| Butch Cassidy | William "Buffalo Bill" Cody | Davy Crockett |
| Jesse James | Evel Knievel | Harland David "Colonel" Sanders |
| Jefferson R. "Soapy" Smith |
Cultural Figures:
Inventors:
Pioneers and "Firsts":
Politicians & Activists:
Scientists:
Sports Figures:
Accomplished Women:
Writers & Poets: