Pineville in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Mecklenburg Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
President James K. Polk State Historic Site
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 18, 2021
Mecklenburg Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Organized on September 27, 1898, the Mecklenburg Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
was the first chapter in the state of North Carolina. Harriet Nesbit Latta, founding state regent, appointed Mary Ann Morrison Jackson as the regent of the Mecklenburg Chapter. Within three years, the group became involved with charitable programs such as the American Red Cross, Crossnore School, and the Hezekiah Alexander House.
Mecklenburg Remembers President Polk
On September 26, 1904, the chapter unveiled North Carolina's first monument to honor James K. Polk, the eleventh president of the United States. The Charlotte Evening Chronicle reported that four hundred "enthusiastic citizens" listened to two local historians, J.B. Alexander and Capt. W.E. Ardrey, give speeches on the occasion's importance and Polk's term in office.
The Moment after 1904
For years, the monument stood as the only indication of Polk's time in Mecklenburg. Originally located where the main house is today, it was moved to make way for the building. The site opened in 1968, when Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson's wife, "Lady Bird," dedicated it.
Erected by North Carolina Division of Parks .
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Women. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #11 James K. Polk series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 27, 1898.
Location. 35° 4.629′ N, 80° 52.966′ W. Marker is in Pineville, North Carolina, in Mecklenburg County. Marker is on James K. Polk Road (County Road 3640) 0.1 miles east of Lancaster Highway, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12101 Lancaster Hwy, Pineville NC 28134, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. James Knox Polk Birthplace (here, next to this marker); James K. Polk (within shouting distance of this marker); President James K. Polk S.H.S. (within shouting distance of this marker); Trading Path (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Polk Farm (about 400 feet away); Cotton on the Polk Farm (about 400 feet away); Tobacco in the Piedmont (about 500 feet away); The President James K. Polk State Historic Site (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pineville.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 18, 2021
Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 186 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.