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President James K. Polk Home & Museum

  • Overview

    James K. Polk served as the 11th U.S. President from 1845-49. He is credited for expanding the borders of the United States to the Pacific Ocean, adding three states to the Union, overseeing the opening of the Naval Academy and the Smithsonian Institute, commissioning the Washington Monument, and issuing the first postage stamp. Polk served on the Tennessee legislature, the U.S. House of Representatives and as Governor of Tennessee. He is the only president, to date, that also served as Speaker of the House. Guests to the James K. Polk Home and Museum will enjoy a 30-minute docent-guided tour of the main house and a self-guided tour of the Polk Sisters’ House, gardens, and kitchen building (admission charged). This Federal style home was built by father Samuel Polk in 1816 while James was attending the University of North Carolina. This site was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Presidential Hall features changing exhibits related to the President, his time and the American Presidency (admission charged). Experience the TENNESSEE PRESIDENTIAL TRAIL, a self-guided driving trail that explores the life and service of Presidents James K. Polk, Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson. The trail includes all three presidential homes, the Tn State Museum and Tn State Capitol. Learn more at https://www.visitcolumbiatn.com/tn-presidential-trail/. (Admission is required for the Polk and Jackson on-site home tours.)