James Polk was the eleventh president of the United States.  When President Polk retired as president, he wrote in his diary:
 

"I feel exceedingly relieved that I am now free from all public cares.  I am sure I shall be a happier man in my retirement than I have been during the four years I have filled the highest office in the gift of my country."

Important events during President Polk's administration were:

• The United States Naval Academy opened on October 10, 1845 at 11:00 a.m.

• Texas was admitted as the 28th state on December 29, 1845.

• Elias Howe got the patent on the sewing machine in 1846.

• Michigan was the first state to abolish the death penalty on March 4, 1846.

• Iowa was admitted as the 29th state on December 28, 1846.

• The American Medical Association was created on May 5, 1847.

• The Mormons settle near the Great Salt Lake in Utah on July 24, 1847.

• Gold was discovered in California by James W. Marshall near Sutter's Forth on January 24, 1848.

• Wisconsin was admitted as the 30th state on May 29, 1848.

• Women demand equal rights, including the right to vote, in Seneca Falls, New York, on July 19, 1848.

• Oregon became a territory on August 14, 1848.

• The Department of Interior was created on March 3, 1849.

James Polk was

• the first President born in North Carolina.

• the third President who was a resident of a state different than the one he was born in.

• the fourth President whose mother was alive when he was inaugurated.

• the first President who was survived by his mother.