James Knox Polk

(1795-1849) U.S. Representative, Governor of Tennessee, President of the United States

The nomination of Polk by the Democratic Party surprised the nation. But he defeated the Whig candidate, Henry Clay, because he understood the desire of Americans to see the United States become more powerful. During his presidency, the American Flag was raised over most of the area now forming nine Western states, and Texas became a member of the Union. Historian George Bancroft said that Polk was "one of the very foremost of our public men, and one of the very best and most honest and most successful Presidents the country ever had."

Chronology of His Life and Career
November 2, 1795	Born near Pineville, North Carolina.
1806	Moved to Tennessee.
1818	Graduated from the University of North Carolina.
1820	Admitted to the Tennessee Bar.
1821	Became chief clerk of the Tennessee Senate.
1823	Elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives.
January 1, 1824	Married Sarah Childress.
1825	Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
1835	Elected Speaker of the House.
1839	Elected Governor of Tennessee.
1844	Elected President of the United States.
June 15, 1849	Died in Nashville, Tennessee.