James K. Polk Quotes

A collection of quotes by James K. Polk.

James K. Polk (1795-1849) was the 11th President of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849. Born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Polk spent his early years in Tennessee. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, before eventually being admitted to the bar in 1820 and starting a legal practice.

Polk's political career took off as he served as a member of the Tennessee legislature and then the U.S. House of Representatives. He later became the Speaker of the House, a position that elevated his political standing. Polk went on to win the Democratic Party's nomination for President in 1844, defeating Henry Clay to secure the presidency.

During his presidency, Polk focused on fulfilling his campaign promise to expand the territory of the United States. His administration successfully negotiated the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War and resulted in the acquisition of vast territories, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and parts of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming.

Despite his accomplishments, Polk chose to serve only one term as president and retired from politics. Unfortunately, his health rapidly declined after leaving office, and he died just a few months after his term ended in June 1849. James K. Polk is remembered for his dedication to manifest destiny and for being one of the most consequential presidents in American history.