Andrew Johnson Papers
A chronology of key events in the life of Andrew Johnson (1808-1875), representative, senator, vice president, and seventeenth president of the Unites States.
The Library of Congress
1824, June 15

Ran away from apprenticeship with his brother William. Selby placed a newspaper advertisement seeking their return.

1839

Reelected as a Democrat to Tennessee house of representatives. Johnson remained affiliated with the Democratic Party for most of his political career.

1846, Mar. 27

First introduced a homestead bill, an issue he would continue to champion in future legislative sessions.

1851

Purchased home on Main Street, Greeneville, Tenn. (now part of the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site)

1857-1862

U.S. senator from Tennessee. Remained loyal to the United States after Tennessee seceded from the union on June 8, 1861.

1859, Dec. 20

Introduced another homestead bill in the Senate. The bill ultimately passed by Congress was vetoed by President James Buchanan in June 1860. Johnson introduced another homestead bill in December 1860, which was not passed. The Homestead Act became law in May 1862.

1865, Apr. 15

Johnson sworn in as 17th president of the United States after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln

1866, Aug. 28-Sept. 15

“Swing Around the Circle” tour during which he faced hecklers at many stops

1867, Mar. 2

Vetoed the First Reconstruction Act, establishing military districts over states in the former Confederacy

1867, Mar. 2

Congress passed the Tenure of Office Act over Johnson’s veto, which was intended to prohibit Johnson from removing Edwin McMasters Stanton as secretary of war without Senate approval

1867, Mar. 23

Johnson vetoed the Second Reconstruction Act, but Congress overrode his veto on the same day.

1867, July 6

Johnson submitted to Congress a treaty and appropriations request to purchase Alaska from Russia. The House of Representatives did not pass the appropriation until July 14, 1868.

1867, July 19

Johnson vetoed the Third Reconstruction Act, and again Congress overrode his veto the same day

1867, Aug. 12

Suspended Stanton as secretary of war, named Ulysses S. Grant as interim secretary. In January 1868, U.S. Senate refused to accept Stanton’s suspension.

1868, Feb. 21

Removed Stanton as secretary of war, in violation of the Tenure of Office Act

1868, Feb. 24

U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach Johnson for “high crimes and misdemeanors,” and approved eleven articles of impeachment on March 3