Have you ever found yourself holding a $20 bill and wondering, “Who is on a 20 dollar bill?” Most of us use money every day, but we don’t always take the time to think about the individuals depicted on our currency.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the $20 bill, its history, and the influential figure whose portrait adorns it. By the end of this blog post, you’ll know all about the person on the 20 dollar bill and the fascinating history behind the banknote.
The Portrait: Andrew Jackson
The current design of the $20 bill features the portrait of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. Born in 1767, Jackson was a prominent figure in American history, known for his military career, his populist political ideology, and his controversial policies.
As a war hero, Jackson’s military career included fighting in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and various conflicts with Native American tribes. His decisive victory in the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812 earned him national fame and propelled him into politics.
Presidency and Controversies
Andrew Jackson served as the President of the United States from 1829 to 1837. His presidency was marked by a number of notable events and policies, such as the Indian Removal Act, the Nullification Crisis, and the dismantling of the Second Bank of the United States.
Jackson’s Indian Removal Act, in particular, remains a highly controversial policy that led to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans, resulting in the tragic “Trail of Tears.” While some view Jackson as a champion of the common people, others see him as a controversial and divisive figure in American history.
History of the 20 Dollar Bill
The $20 bill has gone through several design changes since it was first issued in 1861. However, it wasn’t until 1928 that Andrew Jackson’s portrait was placed on the bill. Before Jackson, the 20 dollar bill featured different designs and portraits, such as Lady Liberty, President Grover Cleveland, and even Alexander Hamilton, who is now on the $10 bill.
The decision to replace Cleveland with Jackson was made to honour the 100th anniversary of Jackson’s election to the presidency.
The Future of the 20 Dollar Bill: Harriet Tubman
In recent years, there has been an ongoing debate about whether to replace Andrew Jackson’s portrait on the $20 bill. Many argue that it is time for a change, given Jackson’s controversial legacy, particularly with regard to his treatment of Native Americans.
In 2016, the U.S. Treasury announced plans to replace Jackson’s portrait with that of Harriet Tubman, an African-American abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad who helped hundreds of enslaved people escape to freedom.
The redesign was initially scheduled to be released in 2020, but the project faced delays and, as of this writing, has not been implemented. Once completed, the new design featuring Harriet Tubman will mark a significant milestone in the representation of historically underrepresented figures on U.S. currency.
In Conclusion
So, who is on a 20 dollar bill? The current answer is Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. However, as discussions and plans to replace his portrait with that of Harriet Tubman continue, the face of the $20 bill may soon change to reflect a more inclusive representation of American history.
Regardless of who is featured on the banknote, it’s essential to understand and appreciate the historical context and significance of the individuals portrayed on our currency.
