The Sea Song plantation in Waveland burned down in 1935. Did President Andrew Jackson build it?

Once a grand estate surrounded by oak trees, all that remains of the Sea Song plantation, or the Jackson House, is a small corner of Buccaneer State Park in Waveland, Mississippi.

The exact construction dates of the Sea Song plantation are still a mystery, with two distinct years being offered. Legend suggests Andrew Jackson, following his triumph over the British in New Orleans in 1815, might have built the home as a summer retreat.

However, historical evidence from the Hancock County Historical Society challenges the 1815 claim. Considering Jackson’s national hero status and the undeveloped nature of Waveland at the time, the likelihood of his involvement seems improbable.

Deeds, correspondence within the Jackson family, and historical records have now cemented 1840 as the more plausible construction period. Despite this, Andrew Jackson’s possible involvement in its construction remains unlikely due to his age, health, financial constraints and prior property ownership.

What is known is that the large property and the house that once stood in Waveland were initially owned by Asa Russ, hence its original moniker, the “Russ Place.”

White House Connections

It wasn’t until 1857 that President Jackson’s nephew, whom he later adopted, Andrew Jackson Jr. and his wife, Sarah, are believed to have acquired the Waveland property. Several prominent local families, including the Claibornes, provided financial support and connections for the purchase.

Because of Andrew Jackson Sr.’s status as a widow during much of his presidency, Sarah, as his daughter-in-law, was acting first lady of the United States during his second term, from 1834 to 1837.

Sadly, tragedy struck not long after their purchase when the “Russ Place” was destroyed in a fire. In several letters, Jackson Jr. and Sarah’s son Samuel lamented the narrow escape of several workers and the devastation.

Jackson Jr. shared a similar state of sadness when informed of the loss, stating “our beautiful little residence there is all burned down and now lies in ashes … .” He continued, “What shall become of us?”

Despite the destruction, the Jackson family began reconstruction efforts that were completed by 1859. They constructed a new pier on the water, expanded the bedrooms, added a bath house, and turned the entire property into a plantation. It is also known that they were slave owners and the property was the site of slave labor in the years leading up to and during the Civil War.

Sarah described in her letters the joy living in the house brought her and spoke of the shrimp, alligators and other facets of life in antebellum Waveland. However, her joy waned with the arrival of three successive hurricanes and Jackson Jr.’s constant traveling for business.

In one of her letters, Sarah noted, “I am very anxious to leave this place, and no earthly power will ever induce me to return to it. I will break rock on a turnpike road first. I have lived in dread since the eleventh of August, the time of the first storm.”

In 1861, the Jacksons sold the property and relocated to New Orleans. The Civil War imposed further hardships, resulting in financial struggles, Jackson Jr.’s fatal hunting accident and Samuel’s death in combat.

Subsequent Owners

Following the war, Sarah returned to Tennessee and her former Waveland residence reverted to the Russ family. It was then leased to the Deblieux family for decades, with John Deblieux eventually gaining formal possession of the house.

In 1923, Bishop Robert E. Jones acquired the property, transforming it into Gulfside Chautauqua and Camp Meeting Ground, a Methodist retreat. Despite the house falling into disrepair, Jones envisioned restoring it and began raising funds to do so. Interestingly, Jones led integrated church services for black and white Methodists — an anomaly in the south during a time of racial division.

Tragically, Sea Song was again lost to flames in 1935, marking the end of its physical existence. The land it rested on, known as the 16th Section, was leased by the state of Mississippi to become part of Buccaneer State Park.

While President Jackson never lived in Sea Song, the site was of historical significance and despite its ties to slavery, became a unique place of integrated worship. Buccaneer State Park remains a popular spot for locals, and a historical marker for Sea Song has since been erected on South Beach Boulevard in Waveland.