James Knox Polk (November 2; 1795 - June 15; 1849) was the 11th President of the United States (1845-49). Polk was born in Mecklenburg County; North Carolina. He later lived in and represented Tennessee. A Democrat; Polk served as the 13th Speaker of the House of Representatives (1835-39)鈥攖he only president to have served as House Speaker鈥攁nd Governor of Tennessee (1839-41).

Polk was the surprise (dark horse) candidate for president in 1844; defeating Henry Clay of the rival Whig Party by promising to annex the Republic of Texas. Polk was a leader of Jacksonian Democracy during the Second Party System.