James+K.+Polk

=James K. Polk Author: Adriana M.=

Our U.S. presidents were wonderful men. All of our presidents were benevolent. They all did the best they could to benefit our country. James K. Polk was an exceedingly good president. He had many accomplishments and maybe even some downfalls, but he was our president so he must have done something important that made us vote for him.

James K. Polk was born on November 2nd, 1795. He died on June 15th, 1849. He was born in Mecklenburg County. He was born in the state of North Carolina. His parents were Samuel and Jane Knox. He had five brothers and four sisters. Many of them died at young ages. His wife’s name was Sarah Childress. She had a good education and was also wealthy. James K. Polk didn’t really have any hobbies. He did have an interest for politics. He also enjoyed working for his country and that made him a good president.

James K. Polk didn’t get a formal education until 1813. In 1816 h went to North Carolina and went to the University in Chapel Hill. He ended up going to the University of North Carolina and doing very well there. He graduated with honors in 1818. Polk didn’t really have any early jobs. When he got out of college he immediately started studying law. His first mentor became Felix Grundy. In 1821 James K. Polk joined the military and gained the rank of Captain. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel soon after.

James K. Polk claimed Oregon Territory after making a treaty with England. He was a good leader during the Mexican-American War. He was thought to be the “best one-term president”. James K. Polk signed The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in February of 1848. By signing that treaty he ended the war with Mexico. If it hadn’t been for this dramatic change we wouldn’t some of the southern states that we have today. Before being elected James K. Polk said he would be just a one-term president. He also said that he would work harder and longer than any other president before him. Apparently his reward for his dedication was that he died less than four months after leaving office. Sadly that is the only “award” that James K. Polk ever received.

George M. Dallas was James K. Polk’s Vice President. Polk’s middle name was Knox. Polk had no kids and he was thought to be sterile because of an operation he had at a young age. James K. Polk had 10 children in his family. He also had trust issues so he always did all his work himself. The reason that Polk died was because he supposedly had diarrhea problems and that was deadly in the West. There aren’t many myths about James K. Polk. “Some say that he held court under the large elm tree in front of the Gower House”. James K. Polk said many wise things in his lifetime. He will be remembered for that. “ I am heartily rejoiced that my term is so near its close. I will soon cease to be a servant and will become a sovereign. ” -James K. Polk. This quote simply means that Polk is glad that he has done his duty to our country and he won’t need to serve the country that greatly anymore. “ With me it is exceptionally true that the Presidency is no bed of roses.” -James K. Polk. Being the President is hard and even a great President like James K. Polk can become stressed by the weight of the job.

James K. Polk achieved so much in life and he made so many acomplishments. He was one of our best presidents even though he isn't a popular one. His whole name was James Knoz Polk and he is a man to be admired and remembered as our 11th president.

**Works Cited**
Garcia, Jesus. "Presidents of the United States." Creating America. a History of the United States. Evanston, Ill.: McDougal Littell, 2007. R36. Print.

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Kelly, Martin. "James K Polk Biography - Eleventh President of the United States." American History From About. Web. 28 Apr. 2010. .

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"Polk, James - Fun Facts, Answers, Factoids, Info, Information." Fun Trivia Quizzes - World's Largest Trivia and Quiz Site! Web. 28 Apr. 2010. .

"Software Magazine - Vision of James K. Polk: Changed Shape of U.S." Software Journal, Software Newsletter | Software Magazine. Web. 28 Apr. 2010. .