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Attractions · Wedding Venues, Historic Landmarks, Museums

President James K. Polk Home & Museum

5 min walk About a 5-minute walk from the Courthouse Square.

President James K. Polk Home & Museum

James K. Polk served as the 11th U.S. President from 1845-49. He is credited for expanding the borders of the United States to the Pacific Ocean, adding three states to the Union, overseeing the opening of the Naval Academy and the Smithsonian Institute, commissioning the Washington Monument, and issuing the first postage stamp. Polk served on the Tennessee legislature, the U.S. House of Representatives and as Governor of Tennessee.

He is the only president, to date, that also served as Speaker of the House. Guests to the James K. Polk Home and Museum will enjoy a 30-minute docent-guided tour of the main house and a self-guided tour of the Polk Sisters’ House, gardens, and kitchen building (admission charged). This Federal style home was built by father Samuel Polk in 1816 while James was attending the University of North Carolina.

This site was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Presidential Hall features changing exhibits related to the President, his time and the American Presidency (admission charged). Experience the TENNESSEE PRESIDENTIAL TRAIL, a self-guided driving trail that explores the life and service of Presidents James K. Polk, Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson. The trail includes all three presidential homes, the Tn State Museum and Tn State Capitol. (Admission is required for the Polk and Jackson on-site home tours.)

Close By

The nearest places Visit Columbia lists, and the walk or drive from here.

  1. Tennessee Civil War Trails

    Tennessee Civil War Trails

    Attractions Same address

  2. The Lounge at The Mulehouse

    The Lounge at The Mulehouse

    Eat & Drink About 1 min walk from here

  3. Memorial Building

    Memorial Building

    Event Venues About 1 min walk from here

  4. The Mulehouse

    The Mulehouse

    Event Venues About 2 min walk from here

  5. Second Time Around

    Second Time Around

    Shop About 2 min walk from here

  6. Red 7 Pizza Co.

    Red 7 Pizza Co.

    Eat & Drink About 2 min walk from here

On Visit Columbia's Itineraries

  • 48 Hours in Columbia, Day 2

    Step back in time at the Polk Home, the historic residence of President James K. Polk. With beautifully preserved architecture and period furnishings, it's a neat glance into the life and legacy of one of Columbia's most famous residents.

  • Wine, Whiskey, & History, Day 1

    Step inside the Polk Home and explore the preserved residence of President James K. Polk, the 11th president of the United States.