James K. Polk was the 11th president of the United States. He was notable in many ways. Often called the ‘dark horse’, James K. Polk was the last strong president until the Civil War.
Polk entered politics as a young lawyer. He wanted Texas to be part of the Union. His views on Texas made him popular and paved his way to presidential candidacy. The annexation of Texas as a state however, resulted in a two-year war with Mexico.
November 7, 1844 was indeed a remarkable day in the history of the U.S. For the first time, the election for president was held on the same day across America. Needless to say, it was Polk’s day.
Polk was a strong leader and his tenure was marked by territorial gains as well as administrative innovations. The country expanded westward and a new department, the Department of the Interior, was created.
Polk established the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. He also authorized the setting up of the Smithsonian Institution, a national foundation for all areas of science.
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