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James K. Polk

11th President of the United States

James K. Polk, a protégé of Andrew Jackson, expanded U.S. territory through the Mexican–American War. He served as Speaker of the House and governor of Tennessee before becoming president. Polk achieved major goals like tariff reduction and reestablishment of the Independent Treasury system. He kept his pledge to serve only one term and left office in 1849.

Related

James Monroe James A. Garfield William McKinley James Buchanan Andrew Jackson John Tyler Zachary Taylor Jackson Pollock Millard Fillmore Martin Van Buren

Timeline

Birth of James K. Polk

James K. Polk, the eleventh president of the United States, was born on November 2, 1795.

Surgery by Dr. Ephraim McDowell

In 1812, Dr. Ephraim McDowell performed surgery on James K. Polk in Danville, Ky., to remove urinary stones.

Study of Law under Felix Grundy

In 1818, James K. Polk returned to Tennessee and studied law under Felix Grundy.

James K. Polk's Admission to the Bar

James K. Polk returned to Tennessee to study law and was admitted to the bar in 1820, at the age of 24.

Election to the Tennessee House of Representatives

In 1823, James K. Polk was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives, where he was known for consistently backing the political aspirations of General Andrew Jackson, gaining the nickname “Young Hickory.”

Marriage of James K. Polk to Sarah Childress

On January 1, 1824, James K. Polk married Sarah Childress, a woman from one of Tennessee’s most well-regarded families. Sarah was very well educated and often assisted her husband with speech writing and provided policy advice throughout his political career.

Election to the United States House of Representatives

James Polk was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1825 after a successful run for the Tennessee legislature. His rapid political ascension was aided by his relationship to Andrew Jackson, and he served seven terms in Congress, including two terms as Speaker of the House.

Death of Samuel Polk

Upon his death in 1827, Samuel Polk left behind 8,000 acres of land and fifty-three enslaved people to his wife and ten children.

Indian Removal Act

During his time in Congress, James Polk was involved in the passing of the controversial Indian Removal Act of 1830, which resulted in the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands.

Nullification Crisis

James Polk was involved in the Nullification Crisis of 1832, a period of confrontation between the federal government and the state of South Carolina over the issue of protective tariffs. This crisis highlighted the growing tensions between the federal government and individual states.

Polk's Election as Speaker of the House

With President Andrew Jackson's support, Polk was elected speaker of the House in 1835.

Speaker, U. S. House of Representatives

In 1837, James K. Polk served as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Governor of Tennessee

In 1839, James K. Polk left his position as Speaker of the House of Representatives to become the Governor of Tennessee.

Governor of Tennessee

In 1841, James K. Polk served as the Governor of Tennessee.

Polk's Unsuccessful Run for Governor of Tennessee

Polk also ran for governor of Tennessee in 1843, but he lost.

Nominated as Democratic Party’s Candidate

James K. Polk was nominated on May 29 as the Democratic Party’s candidate for president, marking a crucial step in his political career.

Acceptance of Democratic Presidential Nomination

On June 12, 1844, James K. Polk accepted the Democratic Presidential Nomination.

Democratic Convention Nomination

Former President Van Buren failed to receive the 2/3 votes necessary on the first ballot. James K. Polk, initially receiving no votes, was nominated unanimously on the 9th ballot, becoming the first 'dark horse' candidate.

Inauguration of James K. Polk

James K. Polk was inaugurated as the 11th President of the United States on March 4, 1845.

Executive Order on the Death of Andrew Jackson

On June 16, 1845, James K. Polk issued an executive order regarding the death of Andrew Jackson.

First Annual Message of James K. Polk

In his first annual message, James K. Polk emphasized that the Americas should not be colonized by European powers. He also addressed the negotiation with Britain about Oregon and stated that the admission of Texas only awaited an act of Congress.

Special Message to Congress about Texas Admission

James K. Polk sent a special message to Congress, announcing that Texas had accepted the terms of admission.

Extradition Treaty with Prussia Sent to Senate

James K. Polk sent an extradition treaty with Prussia to the Senate, which had been signed on January 29.

Texas joins the United States as the 28th state

During President Polk's first year in office, Texas joined the United States as the 28th state, marking a significant expansion of the country's territory.

Declaration of War Against Mexico

On May 13, 1846, President James K. Polk signed a declaration of war against Mexico after General Zachary Taylor and his troops clashed with Mexican forces on the northern bank of the Rio Grande.

Death of James K. Polk

James K. Polk died on June 15, 1849, three months after leaving office at the age of 53.

The Oregon Treaty granted the United States clear title to vast tracts of land in the Northwest and allowed both Britain and the United States access to the Pacific Ocean through the channel south of Vancouver Island, averting a potential war.

Tariff of 1846 (Walker Tariff)

The Tariff of 1846, also known as the 'Walker Tariff,' was passed by Congress as a key part of President Polk's domestic agenda. It aimed to lower rates toward revenue-only levels, with a few items remaining protected. The tariff was named after Polk's secretary of the Treasury, Robert J. Walker.

Veto of French Spoliation Claims Bill

President vetoed the French spoliation claims bill, marking the second of his three vetoes.

Independent Treasury Law

President Polk signs into law the Independent Treasury, which he refers to as a 'Constitutional Treasury,' as a crucial part of his domestic agenda.

Trist ignores recall notice

In mid-November 1847, Trist received the recall notice but decided to ignore it, believing that he could secure a treaty with Mexico despite President Polk's order to return to Washington, D.C.

Third State of the Union message to Congress

President Polk delivered his third State of the Union message to Congress, addressing the nation's current state and outlining his administration's priorities.

Vetoed Wisconsin Territory internal improvements bill

President Polk vetoed the Wisconsin Territory internal improvements bill, citing concerns about the allocation of funds for internal improvements beyond the Wisconsin Territory. This decision highlighted the ongoing debate about the extent of federal government power and its impact on internal improvements.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Following a controversial two-year war, Mexico ceded New Mexico and California to the United States through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo during President Polk's administration.

Senate Approval of Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The Senate approved the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on March 10, 1848. This approval finalized the terms of the treaty, which included Mexico recognizing the Rio Grande as the Texas border and ceding California and New Mexico to the United States.

James K. Polk's Decision Not to Seek Reelection

J. G. Ramsey was requested to convey James K. Polk's firm decision of not seeking reelection to the Democratic Convention.

End of James K. Polk's Presidency

James K. Polk's presidency ended on March 3, 1849, after serving a single term as the 11th President of the United States.

End of James K. Polk's Presidency

At the end of his single term as the 11th president of the United States, James K. Polk had reshaped the nation, fulfilling the American spirit of manifest destiny. His presidency ended on March 4, 1849.

Death of James K. Polk

James Knox Polk passed away on June 15, 1849, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 53. He served as the 11th President of the United States from 1845 to 1849.

Transfer of James K. Polk's Remains

The remains of James K. Polk were transferred to a tomb at Polk Place.

Transfer of James K. Polk's and Sarah C. Polk's Remains

The remains of James K. Polk and Sarah C. Polk were transferred to the grounds of the Tennessee state capitol in Nashville.

End of the Timeline
James K. Polk

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