Monday, September 16, 2013

The Polk Home, Columbia, TN (1 of 5)

The simple facade and lone Tennessee Historical Marker by the front walkway do little to draw you into this wonderfully preserved ancestral home of our eleventh president, James Knox Polk.




The front of this elegant town home is now partially obscured by massive magnolia trees.




James K. Polk lived in his father's home from 1818 to 1824 while he practiced law a few blocks away. This building has become a repository for both his presidential and personal belongings, as well as those of his family, being his only existing residence other than the White House.  It thus serves as his Presidential Library as well as providing a glimpse into the elegant southern lifestyle of the mid-nineteenth century.

The home is accessed through the side door of the adjacent "Sisters' House", built by his father for James' two sisters, which now serves as a museum and gift shop. One item in the museum especially demands your attention-  the vision of First Lady Sarah Polk in her inaugural gown.




The home provides individual or group tours as well as special events and programs.  Visit their website at
http://www.jameskpolk.com/ to plan your visit. You will not be disappointed.

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