James Knox Polk
(November 2, 1795 – June 15, 1849)
11th President of the United States
(March 4, 1845 - March 4, 1849)

was the eleventh President of the United States, serving from March 4, 1845 to March 4, 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 success in winning a war with Mexico and adding vast new territories. He lowered the tariff and established a treasury system that lasted until 1913. A "dark horse" in 1844, he fulfilled his promise to serve only one term, and died three months after his term ended.

His single term in office is most notable for the largest expansion (in pure land area) of the nation's boundaries (exceeding even the Louisiana Purchase), through the negotiated establishment of the Oregon Territory and the purchase of 1.2 million square miles (3.1 million square kilometers) through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that ended the Mexican-American War. The expansionism, however, opened a furious debate over slavery in the new territories that was resolved by the Compromise of 1850. He signed the Walker Tariff that brought an era of near free trade to the country until 1861. He oversaw the opening of the U.S. Naval Academy, the Smithsonian, the Washington Monument, and the issuance of the first postage stamps in the United States. He was the first President of the United States ever to be photographed. Scholars rank him about #10 to #12 on the list of greatest presidents for his ability to set an agenda and achieve all of it.

It becomes us, in humility, to make our devout acknowledgments to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, for the inestimable civil and religious blessings with which we are favored. First Annual Message to Congress, December 2, 1845 [2]

Thank God, under our Constitution there was no connection between church and state. Diary entry, October 14, 1846

There is more selfishness and less principle among members of Congress, as well as others, than I had any conception [of], before I became President of the U.S. Diary entry, December 16, 1846