a letter from President Polk
Did You Know?
He was president during the Mexican-American War.
He helped settle the Northwest boundary of the United States.
He was president during the California gold rush.
He was the first "dark horse" nominee of a party.
Key Events in the Administration
James K. Polk
(November 2, 1795 - June 15, 1849)
First Lady: Sarah Polk, Wife
Wife's Maiden Name: Sarah Childress
Number of Children: None
Education Level: College
School Attended: University of North Carolina
Profession: Military, Law Clerk, Lawyer
Military Service: Colonel
Public Service:Presidential Places
Dates of Presidency: 3/4/1845 - 3/3/1849
Presidency Number: 11
Number of Terms: 1
Why Presidency Ended: Left after 1st term
His Vice President(s): George Mifflin Dallas
House of Representatives: Tennessee (1825-1839)
Governor of a State: Tennessee (1839-1841)
State Legislative Service: TN (1823-1825)
Other Offices: Speaker of the House
Methodology and Resources
James K. Polk Memorial
Gravesite: Tennessee State Capitol
Other Sites: Polk Ancestral Home
C-SPAN in the Classroom
Papers: Library of Congress - Washington, DC, 202-707-5387
Presidents Programs from
James K. Polk Life Portrait: From Polk Ancestral Home - Columbia, TN
Guests included: Bill Seale, author, The Presidents House; John Holtzapple, director, James K. Polk Ancestral Home; and Tom Price, curator, James K. Polk Ancestral Home Watch | Order Videotape
Carolyn Dilda on Polk's birthplace Watch
John Holtzapple on Polk and religion Watch
Robert Johannsen on Polk administration Watch
1996 Washington Journal with Marvin Kranz, Library of Congress, on Polk's papers and diary Watch
Booknotes with Richard Shenkman, Presidential Ambition: How The Presidents Gained Power, Kept Power, and Got Things Done Watch