James K. Polk - 1

James K. Polk - 1

Who is a “dark horse” president? James K. Polk was a “dark horse” president. He was our 11th president. He was one of the greatest presidents that ever lived. He helped our country through many good and bad things. He created a legacy for himself.
James K. Polk was born on November 2, 1795. He was born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. James K. Polk’s full name was James Knox Polk. He was the eldest child of Samuel Polk and Jane Knox Polk. James K. Polk’s father was a farmer and a surveyor. His mother was a descendant of Scottish religious reformer John Knox (Gaines 5). This is when and where James K. Polk was born.
James K. Polk received a decent amount of education in his life. Early in his childhood he suffered from gallstones. This made formal schooling for him to be impossible. At age 20, James K. Polk got into the University of North Carolina. He passed with flying marks. He was a scholar in Latin and Math (Gaines 7). He graduated in 1818 (Gaines 7). He later returned to Nashville to study law. He was admitted to the bar in 1820 (Gaines 10).
James K. Polk’s wife’s name was Sarah Childress Polk. He married her on January 1, 1824. They did not have children together. She was a very strict person. She was often referred to as “the Presidentress” (Gaines 17). She enjoyed dancing, theatre, and horse racing (Gaines 18). She did not allow drinking in the White House. On Sunday’s she forbade the playing of music (Gaines 18). Sarah Polk was the one who first installed gas lights in the White House (Gaines 18). The Polks did not have kids due to gallstones surgery of James K. Polk, which caused James K. Polk to be impotent. This is some information on Sarah Childress Polk.
James K. Polk did many great things, Such as issuing the first post stamp. He also started the naval academy. He also started the Washington Monument. He was a great man whose life ended early. James K. Polk died on June 15, 1849. He died in Nashville, Tennessee. He was the...

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