". . . it was here . . . that I spent near three years of my life. It was here that I received lessons of instructions to which I mainly attribute whatever of success or advancement has attended me in subsequent life."--
James K. Polk
upon his return to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1847

Reconstructed log cabin similar to one young James K. Polk lived in at the Pres. James K. Polk State Historic Site near Pineville Born November 2, 1795 on a 150-acre farm worked by his parents, Jane and Samuel, James Knox Polk spent most of his childhood among the gently rolling hills of Mecklenburg County. A memorial to our nation's 11th president is located on part of these lands. The early 1800s-vintage log buildings and their furnishings are not original to the Polk homestead but are very similar to the structures the president's family lived in when he was a boy. The oldest of ten, Polk was raised on tales of the American Revolution by his father, a prosperous farmer. A pious Presbyterian, Polk's mother was said to be descended from the fiery Scottish religious reformer John Knox. Both parents instilled in their son a fierce patriotism, a keen interest in politics, and a deep religious faith. A volunteer at the state historic site in period dress leads a group of students on an educational tour. 1846 photo by John Plumbe, Jr. of The White House, as it looked when James K. Polk became president. The 1904 Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) stone monument at the President James K. Polk State Historic Site was an early attempt to honor the nation's 11th president.

Young James K. Polk

First Lady Sarah Childress Polk

In 1824 Polk married Sarah Childress, whose gracious manner, intellect, and devoted companionship helped further his political career.

A successful lawyer, Polk entered politics as a representative in the Tennessee legislature. Then, for 14 years he served in the U.S. House of Representatives, including four years as speaker (1835-1839). He was a powerful debater and master of parliamentary procedure. His eloquent speeches, unfailing support of President Andrew Jackson, and firm belief in Jeffersonian principles--equal rights for all, special privileges for none, and friendship with the common people--won him the nickname "Napoleon of the Stump." In 1839 Polk refused renomination for Congress to become a successful Democratic candidate for governor of Tennessee. However, public sentiment shifted toward the Whig party, and he was twice defeated for a second term in both 1841 and 1843. It seemed that his political career had stalled.

Fortunately, Polk's enthusiasm for westward expansion saved his career, gaining him the Democratic presidential nomination over Martin Van Buren in 1844. Polk became the first dark horse in American politics when he was chosen as the Democratic nominee for president against Henry Clay of the Whig party. The chief issues of the campaign were the annexation of Texas and the occupation of Oregon. Polk took a strong stand in favor of both. With a campaign slogan of "Fifty-Four Forty or Fight," referring to the northern boundary of the Oregon territory, Polk rode into the White House.

President James K. Polk (photo taken while he was president)

Results of 1844 U.S. presidential election showing both Polk's popular and electoral votes, along with those of the Whig candidate, the famed Henry Clay.

A highly determined man, Polk entered the presidency after his inauguration with a clear-cut program. He set forth five goals, all of which he carried out successfully during his single term in office. He reduced the tariff, established an independent treasury, settled the Oregon boundary, annexed Texas, and acquired the California Territory, the latter resulting in an unpopular war with Mexico. During Polk's administration the United States acquired more than 50,000 square miles of western land, making it necessary to create a federal Department of the Interior.

In his campaign, Polk had called for annexing Oregon and Texas, though either measure might well mean war, and once elected (he only received a minority of the total vote) the new president implemented his plans for expansion. Through a combination of military threats and diplomacy, Polk managed to arrive at a compromise with England that set the 49th parallel as the Oregon Territory's northern boundary.

1840s newspaper political cartoon on the issue of the Oregon boundary, Polk is the figure on the right in a frock coat, standing on the edge of a piece of land.

Acquiring the rest of the West turned out to be a more bloody affair, the newly admitted state of Texas being at the heart of the matter.

Though thousands of Spanish and Mexican documents showed that Texas' western boundary had traditionally been the Nueces River, Polk backed Texans' claims that their western border was the Rio Grande. Since Texas claimed the river all the way to its source, their stand implied that half of present-day New Mexico and Colorado was rightfully theirs. The Mexican government found this unacceptable and refused the United States' offer of about $40,000,000 for New Mexico and California.

When U.S. General Zachary Taylor led an army across the disputed area to the banks of the Rio Grande in 1846, Mexican troops attacked and killed 16 of his men. Polk seized upon this incident as proof of treachery and quickly got Congress to declare war on Mexico. This conflict came to be known as the Mexican-American War.

Though the United States ultimately defeated Mexico's poorly-armed troops in some of the most destructive warfare ever witnessed to that time, ironically the acquisition of the West was little help to Polk. The inescapable issue of slavery soon crippled the nation's expansion, as Congress took up legislation that would prohibit slavery in all newly-acquired territories. Though now larger and richer with the discovery of gold in California, the U.S. found itself on the road to civil war.

President Polk's cabinet (Sec. of State and later Pres. James Buchanan is missing), in the first photograph ever taken of a American president's cabinet members. Polk himself is seated second to the right.

Polk's remarkable achievements can be credited to his personal dedication and sincerity, as well as the way he conducted his office; the presidency was run like an efficient business:

"I would relieve the burdens of the whole community as far as possible, by reducing the taxes. I would keep as much money in the treasury as the safety of the Government required, and no more. I would keep no surplus revenue there to scramble for, either for internal improvements, or for any thing else. I would bring the Government back to what it was intended to be--a plain economical Government."

Circa 1840 oil portrait of James K. Polk by Minor K. Kellogg (1814-1889), Cleveland Museum of Art.

As the expansionist 11th president of the United States, James K. Polk was perhaps more responsible than any other single person for setting the boundaries of what came to be the American West.

Special Events for 2008

Year Long President James K. Polk State Historic Site 40 th Anniversary Celebration. The site will host a yearlong series of events commemorating its 40th anniversary. Details TBA.

July 21 A Day on the Farm. Come spend a day on the Polk farm and learn about life in Mecklenburg County circa 1805! Children will participate in hands on activities such as a militia muster, preparing lunch over an open hearth, aiding with period chores, making period toys, and panning for gold! Kids ages 8-12 years. $30 per child. Pre-registration required. For more information, call 704-889-7145.9 a.m.-3 p.m.

July 28 Be President for a Day!Children will learn about the electoral process and the Polk Campaign of 1844! Participants will nominate their vote for President and hold a mock election filled with speeches, campaign posters and slogans! Lunch is provided. Boys and girls aged 8-12 years. $30 per child. Pre-registration required. For more information, call 704-889-7145.9 a.m.-3 p.m.

August 4 War with Mexico—Soldier Camp.Enlist today! War with Mexico is imminent. Camper will drill, train, and eat just like an enlisted soldier during the Mexican War. They will even play a game of period baseball! Lunch is provided Boys and girls aged 8-12 years. Pre-registration required. For more information, call 704-889-7145. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

November 1 Polk Birthday Celebration. This living history program will bring back to life the Polk family of Mecklenburg County in November 1795, when James K. Polk was born into the family. Activities will include a historic cooking demonstration, children’s games and other hands on activities. Hours: 10 a.m – 4 p.m.

December 13 Christmas Program. Come and participate in a day of Christmas festivities. Visitors will see a living history vignette in the main house. Each building will be decorated in the 19th century style! Come and learn about food and customs from Christmas in 1802! 11 a.m.-3 p.m.