Monday, June 16, 2025

Question: Who is thought to be the first professional artist to reside in Tennessee?

Answer: Ralph E. W. Earl is thought to be the first professional artist to reside in Tennessee after he moved to the state in 1817 to paint a portrait of Andrew Jackson. Earl’s painting gig went so well that he ended up marrying into Jackson’s family, moving into the White House with them in 1829.