Andrew Jackson was a soldier.
Andrew Jackson ( March 15 , 1767 -- June 8 , 1845 ) was an American soldier and statesman who served as the seventh President of the United States from 1829 to 1837 and was the founder of the Democratic Party . Before being elected to the presidency , Jackson served in Congress and gained fame as a general in the United States Army . In 1801 , Jackson was appointed colonel in the Tennessee militia , and was elected its commander the following year . He led Tennessee militia and U.S. Army regulars during the Creek War of 1813 -- 1814 , winning a major victory at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend . Treaty of Fort Jackson . The U.S. force , led by General Andrew Jackson , consisted mainly of the West Tennessee Militia and 39th United States Infantry , allied with several groups of Cherokee and Lower Creek friendly to the American side .