Andrew Jackson - The Enhanced Daguerreotype Photographs

Bringing History to Life: Colorized Portraits of Andrew Jackson

These enhanced, colorized images of Andrew Jackson present a vivid reimagining of a man who left a lasting and controversial imprint on American history. Born in 1767 in the Carolina backcountry, Jackson rose from humble beginnings to become a national war hero and the seventh president of the United States. His life spanned a transformative period in the young nation’s history, and his presidency marked the rise of what became known as Jacksonian democracy.

Daguerreotype of Andrew Jackson

Jackson first gained fame during the War of 1812, most notably for his decisive victory at the Battle of New Orleans. That military success catapulted him into national prominence and ultimately led to his election in 1828. As president, he styled himself as a champion of the "common man" and expanded political participation, but his administration was also marked by policies that stirred deep divisions—including his aggressive use of executive power and his signing of the Indian Removal Act, which led to the forced relocation of Native American tribes along the Trail of Tears.

Andrew Jackson Enhanced colorized daguerreotype photograph

By restoring these historic images with color and clarity, we aim to put a more human face on a figure who has often been viewed in stark terms—either as a populist hero or as a deeply flawed leader. The colorized portraits offer an opportunity to engage with Jackson not just as a distant political icon, but as a person shaped by his time, whose legacy continues to spark discussion today.

Close up view of Andrew Jackson, enhanced photograph

"India ink copy of an original daguerreotype made at the Hermitage in 1845 just before his death. This is in the Brady-Handy Collection and it is probably a [Matthew] Brady picture. Almost half a century later Brady himself recalled, in an interview, that he had "sent" to have the picture taken for posterity. Marquis James says in his Andrew Jackson that Brady transported the equipment and made the picture on April 15, 1845." Source: Horan, James D. (1955). Mathew Brady: Historian With a Camera. Bonanza Books. ISBN 9780517001042.

Close up view of Andrew Jackson, enhanced photograph