Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Museum

About

Located less than a mile from the Town Centre, off the Larne Road, the Andrew Jackson Cottage is a traditional thatched Ulster-Scots farmhouse built in 1750s.

This cottage is one of about twelve cottages built in this style when there was an influx of lowland Scots people into S.E. Antrim. This cottage was built by the Donaldson family and lived in by them until 1979 when it was sold to Carrickfergus Borough Council.

It has been restored to its original state including an open fireplace with a daub and wattle canopy and hanging crane. The original Jackson cottage was demolished in 1860 to make way for the railway. The interior has been decorated as a traditional cottage with a dresser, sponge wear crockery and iron pots and griddles. The centre has an impressive exhibition on the life and career of Andrew Jackson (1767- 1845) 7th President of the United States of America whose parents emigrated from here in 1765.

In the grounds of the cottage is the US Rangers Centre, a museum dedicated to the men of the first battalions of the elite American Army Unit the US Rangers that was first 'activated' in Carrickfergus in 1942. The display includes documents, uniforms and photographs and other material detailing this famous combat unit.

Look for the blue plaque about 50 metres to the west that marks the site of the original Jackson homestead.

Booking not required however we advise if numbers are above 10 to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Guided Tours: Available on-site, with average tour times around 45 minutes, though tours can be tailored.

Cottage Tour - Full tour of cottage, parlour room provides insight in to the life of Andrew Jackson and his link to Boneybefore and The White House.

US Rangers Museum - The US Rangers Museum is a dedicated museum to the men of the first battalions of the elite American Army Unit the US Rangers that was first 'activated' in Carrickfergus in 1942.

Carrickfergus is the home of the U.S. Ranger they were formed (activated) in the camp at Sunnylands on the 19 June 1942. 2500 volunteered only 500 completed training to make up the original 1st Battalion. They completed training in Scotland with the British Commandos. They are the fore runners of all U.S. special forces today.

The Rangers were transported to the North Africa campaign by three Belfast ferries suspended for the war and reconfigured as troop carriers in Harland and Wolfe

Today we keep close connections with the regiment on the 18 of June 2023 eight serving officers from the 1 st Battalion and 42 family members of the original 1st Battalion came from America to take part in our commemoration service. Only 87 of the original 500 were not killed, injured or taken prisoner during World War 2.

Many former and serving Ranger visit each year. This year we had a visit from the 3 star Lieutenant General Fenzil serving security coordinator for the Middle East.

The display includes documents, uniforms and photographs and other material detailing this famous combat unit.