President James K. Polk Historic Site

The President James K. Polk Historic Site is a museum dedicated to the birthplace of a US president, featuring a reconstructed log house with period furnishings, a separate kitchen building, and a barn. These structures give visitors a sense of how people lived on a rural homestead during the early 1800s.

James Knox Polk was born here in 1795 and later became president of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849. His time in office involved major changes to the nation's borders and territory, which shaped the country's development during that period.

The site focuses on the lives of enslaved people who worked for the Polk family, sharing their stories through documents, images, and accounts that bring their experiences to light.

The site is open daily and offers guided tours along with educational programs for visitors of all ages. Walking trails on the grounds allow you to explore the landscape at your own pace and spend time outdoors.

The museum maintains digital records of enslaved people connected to the Polk family, tracing their stories across multiple states. This database connects information from North Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi, revealing the wide geographic reach of these connections.

Location: North Carolina

Email: polk@ncdcr.gov

Website: https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/president-james-k-polk

GPS coordinates: 35.07813,-80.88240

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:03