James K. Polk

James Knox Polk was born November 2, 1795 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. He was the 11th president of the United States and only served one term from 1845-1849. Polk was also known as "Young Hickory". He went to the University of North Carolina and graduated the year of 1818 and later became a lawyer. Polk was chief clerk of the state senate from 1821-1823 and later member of the State House of Representatives from 1823-1825. After, he became Speaker of the House from 1835-1839 and Governor of Tennessee from 1839-1841.

In 1846, under Polk's presidency, there was a large crack in the Liberty Bell that was proven too large to permit the bell to be rung any more and there was a dispute with Britain over the Oregon Territory. The dispute was settled and it was concluded that both nations would get a part of the territory. In 1848, a treaty with Mexico gave the U.S. control over California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. In December of the same year, gold was discovered in California.

James Knox Polk is a hero to me because he made a promise to the nation and kept it. He promised that during his term he would acquire the territories of Oregon, Texas, California, and all the land in between under one term. Polk proved to be a man of his word and kept his promise with no exceptions. He was one of the few presidents in United States history to ever do that. Polk is an admirable man for his truthfulness to Americans and a great example of what a president should be. In life, what you accomplish is important but when you promise to accomplish something, and keep it, you become worthy of the respect and loyalty others may have towards you.