Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States of America, was nicknamed 'Old Hickory' because of his toughness and aggressive nature. During the 1828 election, Jackson's opponents nicknamed him "jackass". Jackson liked the name so much he used the jackass as a symbol for a while!
In January of 1835, President Jackson paid off the entire national debt, which is the amount the federal government owes.
This was a major accomplishment, as it was the only time in US History that the national debt had been settled!
Unfortunately, America did not remain debt-free for long because a severe depression that lasted from 1837 to 1844 resulted in an increase of the national debt. By January 1, 1838, the national debt stood at over $3.3 million. It has never been paid in full since then.
Andrew Jackson is also one of only a few American presidents ever to appear on a US Postage stamp more than three times, although the US Post Office only released a postage stamp in his honor 18 years after his death. It was a 2 cent black stamp referred to as the 'Black Jack' by stamp collectors. An unused 'Black Jack' is worth about $160.00 today.
