- Born: November 2, 1795 in Pineville, North Carolina
- Parents: Samuel Polk (farmer, surveyor, and slave owner) and Jane Knox Polk
- Spouse: Sarah Childress Polk
- Children: No children
- Died: June 15, 1849 in Nashville, Tennessee
- Highest Office: 11th President of the United States of America (USA) (1845-1849)
- Other Notable Positions: Speaker of the House of Representatives, U.S. Representative from Tennessee, Governor of Tennessee
- Party Affiliation: Democratic Party
- Historical Note: Known as the “dark horse” candidate who won the presidency in 1844. Achieved all of his major campaign goals in one term: lowered tariffs, established independent treasury, settled Oregon boundary dispute, and acquired California and much of the Southwest through the Mexican-American War. His presidency significantly expanded U.S. territory but also intensified the slavery debate.