President Andrew Jackson And His Secret White House Christmas Snowball Fight Of 1835
The stern and divisive former American President spent one memorable holiday season hosting a very unique event for children
Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, was not known for being a friendly personality. An avid swearer, he once killed a man in a duel and was relentless in his pursuit of persecuting Native Americans through brutal military campaigns and removal policies. Therefore, it’s rather inexplicable that “Old Hickory” is responsible for one of the most whimsical moments in the history of the White House — an indoor snowball fight staged for a number of local children who visited on Christmas Day.
Occupying the presidency from March 1829 to March, 1837, Jackson was the most famous person in the country at the time due to his aggressive policies and personality. His prickly nature only increased with the death of his wife Rachel in 1828.
In December, 1835, Jackson was 68 and entertaining a variety of family at the White House for the holidays. This included his wife’s niece and her four children, and his adopted son Andrew Jr., and his two children. Despite never having been a great celebrator of Christmas, the President went all out…
