Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Scandalous Second Marriage of Rachel Jackson
Oct 6, 2025
Dive into the tumultuous love story between Andrew Jackson and Rachel, a First Lady who never set foot in the White House. Discover the scandalous rumors that plagued their lives, including a contentious divorce and a public duel fought for her honor. Explore Rachel's struggles with past abuse and the couple's complex family dynamics, which included adopted children. Uncover how political opponents weaponized her past during Jackson’s campaign, ultimately impacting Rachel's health and leading to her tragic death just before his inauguration.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
First Lady Scrutiny Goes National
- Rachel became the first candidate's wife to face a national smear campaign over her private life.
- The 1828 attacks reframed how voters and press judged presidential spouses' morality.
Flight From An Abusive Marriage
- Rachel left an abusive marriage to Lewis Robards and sought refuge with her family and Andrew Jackson.
- That escape set the stage for her controversial second marriage and lifelong scrutiny.
A Marriage Built On A Legal Mix-Up
- Andrew Jackson escorted Rachel to Natchez and they married in 1791 believing her divorce was finalized.
- The divorce paperwork had been lost in bureaucratic changes, and the couple only discovered the error years later.
