Carrick To The Carolinas

Produced as part of the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence celebrations and funded by the Northern Ireland Screen's Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund, this documentary traces the life and legacy of Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson, mother of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States.

Filmed across Ulster and the Carolinas, the programme follows Dr David Hume MBE joined by historians, descendants and community voices as they retrace Elizabeth’s journey from Carrickfergus in County Antrim to the rugged settlements of colonial America, where she forged a life marked by resilience, faith and sacrifice.

“Like many women in history, Elizabeth’s story has been a footnote in the life of Andrew Jackson, yet it is without a doubt her strength, courage and compassion that defined her son’s journey to the White House from a very early age.” said Dean Hagan from NVTV.

Drawing on newly recorded testimonies and local knowledge, the documentary explores the rich heritage of the Jackson family and the uncertainties surrounding Elizabeth’s early identity.

The documentary also examines the enduring mystery of Elizabeth’s final resting place in Charleston and the community efforts, historic and modern to honour her memory.

Her story resonates as a testament to the grit, determination and cultural identity of Ulster-Scots women whose influence stretched across the Atlantic.