A Presidents Secret Treasure Buried in Cougar Mall

    The College of Charleston campus is regarded as one of the most beautiful and historic campuses in the nation. When most people think of the unique and aesthetic details around campus, they probably think of various fountains, gardens, and sculptures, however, The College has many treasures unknown to most.

    One of these incredible finds includes the grave of the mother of a former U.S. President! Andrew Jackson's mother rests in Cougar Mall beside the Robert Scott Small building. Her headstone is very small, so the hustle of class-bound students and confused tourists can often overshadow it, making it a secret scavenge.

   Elizabeth Jackson was born in circa 1740 in Ireland according to History of American Women. She came to America with her husband and children. As I found in the Post and Courier, Elizabeth Jackson came to Charleston to care for her two sick nephews before becoming ill with cholera. Her grave stone reads "Near this spot is buried, Elizabeth Jackson, mother of president Andrew Jackson. She gave her life cheerfully for the independence of her country on an unrecorded date in November 1781. And to her son Andy this advice: "Andy, never tell a lie, nor take what is not your own, nor sue for slander, settle those cases yourself."

Grave marker of Elizabeth Jackson