James K. Polk

James K. Polk

Little Hickory

James K. Polk was born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, in 1795. He graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina in 1818. As a young man he became a successful lawyer, entered politics and joined the Tennessee Legislature. Polk's political career progressed quickly. He served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1835-1839. He served as governor of Tennessee afterwards. He would earn the nickname "Little Hickory," for his close association to Andrew Jackson, who was called "Old Hickory."

Presidency and Manifest Destiny

In 1844, Polk was elected president of the United States - the first and only Speaker of the House to ever ascend to the presidency. He was an advocate of Manifest Destiny (western expansion) and supported the annexation of Texas, as well as acquisition of California and Oregon. Later that year, Polk negotiated a treaty with Great Britain which resulted in his country's acquisition of the Oregon Territory. Although Texas became the 31st state in 1845, the attempted acquisition of California resulted in the Mexican-American War. Polk initially offered to buy California and the New Mexico territory from Mexico for $20,000,000, plus forgiveness of other debts. The Mexican government refused, which prompted Polk to send general (and the next president) Zachary Taylor and his troops to the region. The Mexicans saw this as a sign of aggression and attacked Taylor's troops. Congress declared war and promptly defeated Mexican forces and occupied Mexico City. At the end of the war, Mexico agreed to give up California and the New Mexico territory for $15,000,000. The new lands increased the land mass of the American nation significantly. Polk's presidency is regarded as very successful and he is considered by historians to have been the most successful single-term, non-assassinated president. During his presidency, the first postage stamps were issued, the Smithsonian museums were dedicated, and the United States Naval Academy was opened.

First American Stamps
First United States Postage Stamps Featuring Washington and Franklin

Death from Cholera

In failing health, Polk left the White House in 1849 (he never tried to win re-election). Only 103 days after his last as president, he died of Cholera in Nashville, Tennessee.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why was James K. Polk nicknamed "Little Hickory"?
  2. What does the term "Manifest Destiny" mean, and how did Polk support it?
  3. How did the Mexican-American War begin, and what was the outcome?
  4. What accomplishments made Polk’s presidency notable?

Glossary

  • Manifest Destiny: The belief that the United States was meant to expand across North America.
  • Annexation: The act of adding a territory to an existing country.
  • Cholera: A deadly disease often spread through dirty water.
  • Speaker of the House: The leader of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Seven Interesting Facts

  • James K. Polk is the only U.S. president who was previously Speaker of the House.
  • He expanded U.S. territory by over one-third during his presidency.
  • Polk only served one term by choice and died just over three months later.
  • The first U.S. postage stamps were issued during his presidency.
  • Polk kept a detailed diary throughout his presidency, which historians still study today.
  • He promised to serve only one term—and he kept that promise.
  • During his term, the U.S. gained territory that would later become all or part of ten future states, including California, Arizona, and Utah.

 

Little Hickory

James K. Polk was born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, in 1795. He graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1818 and began a successful career as a lawyer and politician. Polk served in the Tennessee Legislature and quickly rose in politics, eventually becoming Speaker of the House from 1835 to 1839. He later became governor of Tennessee. Because of his support for Andrew Jackson, known as “Old Hickory,” Polk earned the nickname “Little Hickory.”

Presidency and Expansion

Polk was elected president in 1844, the only Speaker of the House to ever become president. He strongly believed in Manifest Destiny, the idea that the U.S. should expand westward. He supported the annexation of Texas and helped the U.S. acquire Oregon through a treaty with Britain. When Mexico refused to sell California and New Mexico, Polk sent troops to the region, leading to the Mexican-American War. The U.S. defeated Mexico and gained a large amount of land, which would later become many western states. Polk's presidency greatly expanded the size of the nation.

National Achievements

During Polk’s presidency, the first U.S. postage stamps were issued featuring George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. The Smithsonian Institution was created, and the U.S. Naval Academy was founded, marking important steps in education and national development.

Retirement and Death

Polk left office in 1849 after serving one term. Only 103 days after leaving the presidency, he died of cholera in Nashville, Tennessee. Although his time in office was short, he is remembered as one of the most effective one-term presidents in U.S. history.