Famous People
Birthday Celebration
11th President of the United States, Statesman & Manifest Destiny Architect • United States
1795 — 1849
James K. Polk
James Knox Polk
James K. Polk was the 11th President of the United States (1845–1849), universally recognized by historians as the most effective single-term chief executive in American history, who achieved all four of his major domestic and territorial objectives.
Standalone Editorial Biography & Legacy Guide
2 min read • 3,704 views
James K. Polk: Biography, Historical Legacy, and Impact on November 2
James K. Polk was the 11th President of the United States (1845–1849), universally recognized by historians as the most effective single-term chief executive in American history, who achieved all four of his major domest...
Read Full Editorial Biography & Historical Legacy →Life & Legacy Overview
Born in North Carolina on November 2, 1795, Polk rose through Tennessee politics to become Speaker of the House of Representatives and Governor of Tennessee. Winning the 1844 presidential election as a dark horse candidate, Polk pledged to serve only one four-year term. During his presidency, he successfully negotiated the Oregon Treaty with Great Britain securing the Pacific Northwest, led the nation through the Mexican-American War resulting in the acquisition of California and the American Southwest, established the Independent Treasury system, and significantly lowered tariffs with the Walker Tariff of 1846. Exhausted from his relentless work ethic, he died just three months after leaving office.
Notable Works / Milestones:
- Acquired over 1.2 million square miles of territory (California, Oregon Territory, Southwest)
- Negotiated the 1846 Oregon Treaty with Great Britain establishing the 49th parallel border
- Signed the Walker Tariff of 1846, establishing low tariffs and fostering global trade
- Re-established the Independent Treasury system, which endured until the Federal Reserve in 1913
- Only Speaker of the House to ever be elected President of the United States
Featured Content for James K. Polk
Editorial Biography Blog:
James K. Polk: Biography, Historical Legacy, and Impact...
Read Article →
Key Historical Details
Category:
Famous People
Subcategory:
Birthday
Birthday:
November 2
(1795)
Passed Away:
June 15
(1849)
Birthplace:
Pineville, North Carolina, United States
Profession:
11th President of the United States, Statesman & Manifest Destiny Architect
Birthday Hub
Explore all famous personalities, biographies, quotes, and wishes under Birthday.
Explore Birthday Hub →Similar Personalities
B
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Founding Father & Statesman
N
Nikola Tesla
Electrical & Mechanical Engineer, Futurist
T
Thomas Edison
Prolific American Inventor, Industrialist & Founder of Modern Industrial Research
M