In 1852, Tennessee Congressman Andrew Johnson climbed to the top of this hill and admired the view. He told his enslaved servant, Sam, that he wanted to be buried here, and soon bought 15 acres for a family burial ground. During the Civil War, Johnson went from Military Governor of Tennessee to Vice President of the United States, and soldiers used the hill to signal friendly forces. In 1865, after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Johnson became the 17th President. He died on July 31, 1875, and was buried here. Six months later, his wife Eliza was buried beside him. In 1878, Signal Hill became Monument Hill when a 28-foot tall marble obelisk was erected to honor Johnson's public service.