James K. Polk sworn in as 11th President of the United States (1845)

James K. Polk was sworn in as the 11th President of the United States on March 4, 1845, at the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. At age 49, he became the youngest president up to that point. His inauguration followed his victory in the 1844 election, where he emerged as a dark-horse candidate favored by expansionists.

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Background and detail

Background. Polk served as the 11th president from 1845 to 1849. He entered office after winning the 1844 presidential election as the Democratic nominee. His candidacy was supported by Andrew Jackson, who believed only an expansionist from the South or Southwest could win. Jackson met with Polk for the last time in January 1845, shortly before his death that June.

Inauguration. The inauguration took place on Tuesday, March 4, 1845, at the East Portico of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Polk, aged 49, became the youngest president to that point. On the final evening of his predecessor’s term, March 3, 1845, President Tyler offered annexation to Texas, setting the stage for Polk’s administration.

People involved

Sources

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