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.

External links

• Inaugural Address of James K. Polk.
• Biography of James K. Polk. The White House (Official Site).
• First State of the Union Address (1845).
• Second State of the Union Address (1846).
• Third State of the Union Address (1847).
• Fourth State of the Union Address (1848).