James K. Polk

James Knox Polk (November 2 1795 – June 15 1849) was the eleventh President of the United States, serving from March 4, 1845 to March 4, 1849. Polk was born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, but mostly lived in and represented the state of Tennessee. A Democrat, Polk served as Speaker of the House (1835–1839) and Governor of Tennessee (1839–1841) prior to becoming president. He is (as of 2005) the only former Speaker of the House to become President. He is noted for his expansionist beliefs, for his pledge to serve only one term, and for becoming the first "dark horse" (a candidate who unexpectedly gains the party nomination) to win the presidency.

Related Topics:
November 2 - 1795 - June 15 - 1849 - President of the United States - March 4 - 1845 - Mecklenburg County, North Carolina - State - Tennessee - Democrat - Speaker of the House - 1835 - 1839 - Governor of Tennessee - 1841 - As of 2005 - Dark horse

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

His term is remembered for the largest expansion of the nation's boundaries since the Louisiana Purchase, through the negotiated establishment of the Oregon Territory and the acquisition of 1.2 million square miles (3,100,000 km²) through the Mexican-American War. He also oversaw the opening of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Washington Monument, and the issuance of the first postage stamps in the United States.

Related Topics:
Louisiana Purchase - Oregon Territory - Mexican-American War - U.S. Naval Academy - Washington Monument - Postage stamp

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~