Polk Facts

James K. Polk has been the only president to also have been Speaker of the House of Representatives.  Up to his president, Polk was the youngest elected president at age forty-nine. Polk announced at the beginning that he was not going to seek re-election and he did not.  He also accomplished all of the objectives that he announced during his presidency spending all of his political capital. He was so determined that he had his cabinet members sign an agreement to stay in Washington during his term, which he did as well.  The members of his cabinet had to resign if there were going to seek the presidency, he did not want any contention in his cabinet. 

Hail to the Chief

While this tune, a Scottish song entitled "Hail to the chief" based on the work of Sir Walter Scott, had been played previously including the 1836 inauguration of Martin Van Buren it did not become a mainstay  until Mrs. Sara Polk had it played at the entrance of her husband to public events.  She was worried that since he was so small in stature that his entrance would not be noticed by most bystanders.