James K. Polk - Grave of a Famous Person on Waymarking.com

James Knox Polk (November 2, 1795 – June 15, 1849) the eleventh President of the United States, served from March 4, 1845 to March 3, 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 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.

Polk's considerable political accomplishments took their toll on his health. Full of enthusiasm and vigor when he entered office, Polk left the White House on March 4, 1849, exhausted by his years of public service. He lost weight, with deep lines and dark circles etched on his face. He is believed to have contracted cholera in New Orleans, Louisiana on a good will tour of the South. He died at his new home, Polk Place, in Nashville, Tennessee, at 3:15 on the afternoon of Friday, June 15, 1849. Polk's devotion to his wife is illustrated by his last words: "I love you, Sarah. For all eternity, I love you." She lived at Polk Place for over forty years after his passing, a retirement longer than that of any other First Lady of the United States.

Polk had the shortest life of all Presidents, except James A. Garfield and John F. Kennedy, both of whom were assassinated during their presidencies. His death, 103 days after leaving the White House, makes him the former president with the shortest period of post-presidency life in U.S. history.

He and his wife are buried in a tomb on the grounds of the Tennessee State Capitol Building, in Nashville.

Description: 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 (3.1 million square kilometers) 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. Date of birth: 11/05/1795 Date of death: 06/15/1849 Area of notoriety: Politics Marker Type: Headstone Setting: Outdoor Visiting Hours/Restrictions: none Fee required?: No Web site: [Web Link]

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