Andrew Jackson practiced law as a young man in Jonesborough, Tenn., during the late 1780s. Andrew Johnson moved to nearby Greeneville in 1826 to work as a tailor.

Both eventual U.S. presidents are honored in their respective towns, especially since both Jonesborough and Greeneville enjoy showcasing history.

“Andrew Jackson, the nation’s seventh president, actually stayed for an extended period at the Chester Inn on Main Street during his law-practicing days, and that inn still exists today,” says Melissa Cloyd, marketing and advertising manager for the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center/Department of Tourism. “In fact, the bottom floor of the old inn was transformed into the Jonesborough Museum in the fall of 2008. That is very exciting for the 5,000 residents who live here.”

Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee, having been founded in 1779. Today, it is a magnet for tourists attracted to its architecture, quaint shops and restaurants.

“If you are a history buff, Jonesborough is a must-visit place,” Cloyd says. “We publish a Jonesborough strolling-tour brochure that describes an amazing 40 sites here that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. All are within easy walking distance of one another.”

As for Greeneville, it is Tennessee’s next-oldest town, established in 1783. As vice president, Johnson ascended to the presidency following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The nation’s 17th president, he subsequently was impeached – and acquitted – and after leaving the White House in 1869 went home to Greeneville.

Johnson later returned to Washington to serve in the U.S. Senate, but his longtime home and burial place are in Greeneville.

In addition, the President Andrew Johnson Museum is on the campus of Tusculum College in Greeneville.

“I know that Greeneville promotes its interesting history, and so do we,” Cloyd says. “Truly, it is history that brings most people to our community each year.”