James K. Polk was born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina on November 2, 1795. He was the first President born in North Carolina.
He was a workaholic who worked long, long hours.
Polk owned slaves.
Presidnet Polk was one of only three Presidents that didn't have any children.
James Polk was the first presidnet to have his inauguration reported by telegraph.
He was the first President who had been Speaker of the House.
Polk's Vice President was George M. Dallas (1845-1849).
James K. Polk was the most successful president in American history. During the 1844 campaign, he made 5 promises: to acquire California from Mexico, to settle the Oregon dispute, to lower the tariff, to establish a sub-treasury, and to retire from the office after 4 years. When he left office, his campaign promises had all been fulfilled.
He was the first "dark horse" (long shot) presidential nominee in U.S. history.
President Polk was the first president in office to have his photo taken (1849). He was not the first president to have his picture taken.
During his term a national election day was set. The federal election for President was set as the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
The first annual White House Thanksgiving dinner was hosted by his wife Sarah.
The first gaslight was turned on in the White House during Polk's administration, December 29, 1848.
James Polk fulfilled all his campaign promises. During his administration Polk acquired California from Mexico, settled the Oregon dispute, lowered tariffs, established a sub-treasury, and retired from office after one term.
Polk had ruined his health from overwork while in office. He died of exhaustion only 3 months after his term ended.
James K. Polk died in Nashville Tennessee on June 15, 1849. He was 53 years and 225 days old. He is buried in the State Capitol Ground, Nashville, Tenn.
Sources:
The Presidents of the United States. 22 September 2004 <http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/>
Davis, Gibbs and Ilus. David A. Johnson. Wackiest White House Pets. New York: Scholastic Press, October 2004
James, Barber and Amy Pastan. Smithsonian Presidents and First Ladies. New York: DK Publishing, 2002
Kane, Joseph Natan. Facts about the Presidents from Washington to Johnson. New York: H.W. Wilson Company, 1964.
