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Preserving History: Polk Home Being Studied For Possible Inclusion in National Park System

Photos courtesy James K. Polk Home and MuseumJames Knox Polk, the 11th president of the United States, lived in this Columnbia, Tenn., home from 1816 to 1823.
Photos courtesy James K. Polk Home and MuseumJames Knox Polk, the 11th president of the United States, lived in this Columnbia, Tenn., home from 1816 to 1823. Photos courtesy James K. Polk Home and MuseumJames Knox Polk, the 11th president of the United States, lived in this Columnbia, Tenn., home from 1816 to 1823.

By Clint Cooper 8 min read

COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Visitors to the President James K. Polk Home & Museum here learn quickly that the 11th president and former Tennessee governor worked hard, aged greatly while in office and fulfilled every one of his campaign promises – including a pledge to serve just one term in the White House.

Several of Polk’s accomplishments compare favorably with presidents of the United States in recent years, but the former Tennessee congressman is often characterized as the “forgotten president,” visitors to the family home in Middle Tennessee learn.

If you go

‘ What: James K. Polk Home and Museum ‘ Where: 301 W. Seventh St., Columbia, Tenn. ‘ Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday (April-October) and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday (November-March) (All times Central). ‘ Admission: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $7 youth, $5 children, free for children 5-under. ‘ Phone: 931-388-2354. ‘ Website: www.jameskpolk.com.

He died a few months after serving his only term in office (1845-1849) at age 53. Within a decade, the country would become embroiled in a bitter civil war.

Few people know that while in office, Polk re-enacted an independent treasury system, issued the first postage stamp, oversaw the founding of the U.S. Naval Academy and signed the act creating the Smithsonian Institution.