The person currently featured on the $20 bill is Andrew Jackson.
Here are some key facts about Andrew Jackson’s presence on the $20 bill:
- Andrew Jackson was the 7th president of the United States, serving from 1829 to 1837. He was known as a war hero and populist politician.
- Jackson first began appearing on the $20 bill in 1928 when U.S. currency was overhauled. He replaced Grover Cleveland.
- Jackson was chosen due to his legacy as a champion of the common man and for his staunch advocacy of sound money practices.
- He dismantled the Second Bank of the United States, which he felt favored the wealthy elite and stifled economic growth.
- Jackson has remained the face of the $20 bill for nearly 100 years since 1928. This longevity is exceeded only by George Washington on the $1 bill.
- In 2016, the U.S. Treasury announced plans to replace Jackson’s portrait with Harriet Tubman on the $20, as part of an effort to get more women and minorities on U.S. currency.
- However, the change was delayed and is currently not slated to happen until 2030 at the earliest. Jackson remains on today’s $20 bill.
- The current design featuring Jackson’s portrait dates to 1998 when security features were added. An earlier version debuted in 1929.
So in summary, Andrew Jackson has traditionally appeared on the $20 bill since 1928 in honor of his legacy and views on fiscal policy. Despite plans to replace him, he still remains on the current $20 note.
Today, we will explore the answer to the question, “who is on the 20 dollar bill?” and provide some background information about Andrew Jackson, the history of the $20 bill, the controversy surrounding the 20 dollar bill, and recent efforts to change the featured portrait.
Who Is On The $20 Bill?
The person featured on the United States 20 dollar bill is Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. Jackson served as President from 1829 to 1837 and is known for his leadership during the War of 1812 and his role in expanding the powers of the presidency. Jackson was also heavily involved in removing Native American tribes from their land in what is now known as the Trail of Tears.
Andrew Jackson was born on 15 March 1767, in Waxhaw, South Carolina. He grew up in poverty and received little formal education. Jackson worked as a teacher and a lawyer before becoming a politician. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate before being elected President in 1828.
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Andrew Jackson: Key Facts
The life and presidency of Andrew Jackson continue to be studied and debated by historians and scholars today. These are just a few of the fascinating (and at times disturbing) anecdotes attached to his life story…
Jackson was known for his fiery temper – he was involved in several duels. For example, in 1806, he killed a man named Charles Dickinson in a duel after Dickinson insulted Jackson’s wife. Apparently Jackson’s pistol had jammed, and it was Dickinson who shot Jackson first (he carried the bullet in his body for the rest of his life!). But in a contravention of the code duello (rules of duelling), Jackson re-cocked his pistol following the first shot and killed Dickinson outright.
In 1833, Andrew Jackson rode on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from Baltimore to Ellicott’s Mills, Maryland. The trip took 45 minutes and Jackson allegedly exclaimed: “this is a wonderful age!” – he was the first President to ride a train.
Two of his key movements as president were his belief in democracy and subsequent expansion of the right to vote. He believed that all white men should have the right to vote, regardless of their social or economic status. Jackson was also opposed to the National Bank and believed that it was a threat to the liberty and independence of the American people. He vetoed the recharter of the National Bank in 1832, which caused a financial crisis and led to the Panic of 1837.
Jackson’s presidency is unavoidably remembered for his role in the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the Southeastern United States. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 authorized the removal of Native Americans to territories west of the Mississippi River, and Jackson oversaw the implementation of this policy. The Trail of Tears, summarily the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation, resulted in the deaths of thousands of Native Americans.
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Design Of The $20 Bill
The front of the twenty-dollar bill features a portrait of Andrew Jackson in the center. The portrait was originally painted by artist Ralph E. W. Earl in 1817 and was later engraved by James B. Longacre in 1869. This engraving was used as the basis for the design of the twenty-dollar bill.
The embedded security thread is only visible when a UV light is shined upon the bill. The tell-tale portrait watermark of the president’s portrait can be seen when the 20 dollar bill is held up to the light.
In addition to the portrait, the front of the bill also features a series of intricate designs and patterns. The bill’s border is decorated with a ribbon that reads “TWENTY USA” and is flanked by two eagles. The eagle is a well-known US symbol which represents freedom and strength.
The back of the twenty-dollar bill features a vignette of the White House. The White House has been the home of every President since John Adams in 1800. The vignette shows the south side of the White House and includes the Rose Garden and the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden.
History Of The $20 Bill
The first twenty-dollar bills were issued in 1862, during the Civil War. These bills were known as “demand notes” and were issued to help finance the war effort. The demand notes featured a portrait of Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase.
In 1869, the United States government began issuing “United States notes,” which were also known as “Legal Tender notes.” These notes featured a portrait of Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury. Then, in 1878 the government began issuing “Silver certificates,” which were backed by silver bullion. These notes featured a portrait of Senator Richard J. Oglesby.
By 1905, the government began issuing “Gold certificates,” which were backed by gold bullion. These notes featured a portrait of Thomas Hart Benton, a Senator from Missouri. Finally, in 1914 the Federal Reserve System was established, and the government began issuing “Federal Reserve notes.” These notes featured portraits of famous Americans, including Andrew Jackson on the twenty-dollar bill.
Controversy Surrounding Andrew Jackson’s $20 Bill Portrait
There has been controversy surrounding Andrew Jackson’s portrait on the United States twenty-dollar bill for many years, and an article answering the question “who is on the 20 dollar bill?” cannot be written without addressing it.
Jackson’s presidency was marked by both accomplishments and controversies – many Americans have differing opinions about his legacy. On one hand, some people believe he was a hero who fought for democracy and the rights of the common people. On the other hand, others view him as a villain who committed atrocities against Native Americans and promoted slavery.
One of the main arguments to remove Jackson’s portrait from the twenty-dollar bill is his role in the forced relocation of Native American tribes in the Trail of Tears. Many people believe that it is inappropriate to honor someone who was involved in such a tragic and unjust event.
In recent years, there have been calls to replace Jackson’s portrait on the twenty-dollar bill with the image of a different American figure. In 2016, the United States Treasury announced that it would redesign the twenty-dollar bill to feature the portrait of Harriet Tubman, a famous abolitionist and activist. However, these plans have been delayed, and it is unclear when the redesign will take place.
Supporters of Jackson’s portrait on the twenty-dollar bill argue that he was an important historical figure who played a significant role in shaping the United States as it is today. They believe that he should be remembered for his contributions to the country including his leadership during the War of 1812 and his role in expanding the powers of the presidency.
The controversy surrounding Andrew Jackson’s portrait highlights the complex and often controversial nature of American history. The ongoing debate over his portrait on the twenty-dollar bill reflects the ongoing conversation about how the United States should remember and honor its historical figures.
FAQs
How long is the lifespan of a twenty-dollar bill?
The lifespan of a twenty-dollar bill varies depending on how often it is used and how well it is cared for. According to the Federal Reserve, the average lifespan of a twenty-dollar bill is approximately 7.9 years.
Can a torn or damaged twenty-dollar bill still be used?
Yes, a torn or damaged twenty-dollar bill can still be used as long as at least half of the bill remains intact and the serial numbers and other important details are still legible.
Is the twenty-dollar bill widely accepted outside of the United States?
The acceptance of the twenty-dollar bill outside of the United States varies depending on the country and the situation. In some cases, it may be difficult to exchange the bill for local currency or to use it for purchases. It is recommended to use local currency when traveling abroad.
Has there been any progress towards changing the design of the twenty-dollar bill?
There have been efforts to change the design of the twenty-dollar bill. In 2016, the United States Treasury announced that it would redesign the twenty-dollar bill to feature the portrait of Harriet Tubman, a famous abolitionist and activist. However, despite the current government announcing their plans to “speed up” the redesign in 2021, no further significant progress has taken place.
Why was Harriet Tubman chosen to replace Andrew Jackson on the twenty-dollar bill?
Harriet Tubman was chosen to replace Andrew Jackson on the twenty-dollar bill because of her contributions to the abolitionist movement and her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, which helped lead enslaved people to freedom. Many people believe that she represents the values of freedom and equality that the United States should aspire to.
Why was the redesign of the twenty-dollar bill delayed?
The redesign of the twenty-dollar bill was delayed due to a variety of factors, including technical difficulties in producing the new design and opposition from some lawmakers and officials.
