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James K. Polk

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A reconstructed log cabin similar to the one where President James K. Polk lived as a child.

James K. Polk

James K. Polk was the 11th president of the United States. He served from 1845 to 1849. Polk was a follower of Andrew Jackson and a member of the Democratic Party.

Polk was born on November 2, 1795, in a log cabin in Pineville, North Carolina. He was the first of ten children in a farming family. His parents were Samuel Polk, a farmer, and Jane. The family had lived in America for many years, moving from Maryland to Pennsylvania and then to North Carolina.

Before becoming president, Polk worked as a lawyer in Tennessee. He served in the state legislature and the United States House of Representatives. He even became Speaker of the House. In the 1844 presidential election, he was chosen as the Democratic Party nominee. He narrowly won against Henry Clay of the Whig Party.

Polk is remembered for helping the United States grow by adding new lands, including parts of the American Southwest from Mexico. He also helped settle a dispute with the United Kingdom over the Oregon Territory. His time as president was full of big changes and new lands for the country.

Images

The historic home of President James K. Polk in Columbia, Tennessee.
Portrait of James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States, shown in formal attire as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Portrait of James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States.
A historic 1844 campaign banner featuring portraits of Democratic presidential candidates James K. Polk and George M. Dallas, decorated with an eagle, American flags, and patriotic slogans.
Electoral map showing results of the U.S. presidential election in 1844.
Historic view of the White House in 1846, showing its south front as captured in an old photograph.
A historical photo from about 1848 showing President Polk, Dolley Madison, James Buchanan, and others gathered on the South Portico of the White House.
Historical illustration from 1845 showing James K. Polk taking the presidential oath of office during his inauguration.
James K. Polk and his cabinet members gathered in the State Dining Room of the White House.
Historical map of Oregon Country from 1818 to 1846, showing borders and regions.
Historical map showing Mexico as it was in the year 1845.
Portrait of James K. Polk and his wife, Sarah Childress Polk, former U.S. president and first lady.

Related articles

United States
History of the Democratic Party (United States)
Pennsylvania
North Carolina
Tennessee
United States House of Representatives

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on James K. Polk, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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