Long before Andrew Jackson became America’s 7th president, he earned the nickname “Old Hickory” that would follow him for the rest of his life. He was nicknamed by his soldiers, who compared his toughness to the trunk of an old hickory tree.

Although “Old Hickory” was feared for his terrible temper, he was also an important military officer with great leadership skills. He was tough, brave, and determined and won several battles against England in the War of 1812. “Old Hickory” was also kind to his soldiers and is said to have paid for their food out of his own pocket and tended to them when they were sick. Today, Andrew Jackson, also known as “Old Hickory” is honored on the United States twenty-dollar bill.