The Western Expansionist
Known as the “dark horse” president James Knox Polk is considered one of the most important presidents to help expand the western world. His ability to stand by his word, and his exceptional work ethic made Polk’s promise to be a one-term president not only honorable, but also successful.
Originally born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina on November 2, 1795 Polk grew up as one of 10 children. At the age of 11, Samuel and Jane Knox Polk moved their family from North Carolina to Columbia Tennessee. During his experience as a child, living in the Tennessee frontier and being a successful farmer’s son, Polk was able to adopt work ethic, resourcefulness, and the democratic political views that would later help him flourish from a young age (History). As a child who constantly was ill from gallstones, Polk did not receive a formal education until he…show more content… Polk resigned in 1848. After his presidency, Polk began an “extensive tour of the southern states” (miller center). Traveling all along, the Atlantic coastline along the gulf and up the Mississippi river Polk began to experience the freedom that he was not able to acquire as president. He was surrounded by “crowds that were large and festive, and he felt overjoyed with the proclamations of affection and thanks” (miller center) that the people had given him. Unfortunately for Polk it was not long after he resigned his presidency that he became ill with what we know believe was cholera that he contracted from New Orleans (miller center). Polk ended up having to end his trip early due to his illness and he died a few short weeks later on June 15, 1849 in his home called “Polk’s Place” in Nashville, Tennessee. Polk left his wife Sarah alone without any children. He gave her all of the estate on the conditions that she freed the slaves that they owned once she died (miller
