Downtown in Columbia in Maury County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
The Polk Residence
Where A Presidency Began
Photographed by Tom Bosse, April 11, 2026
1. The Polk Residence Marker (Side 1)
The home of James Knox Polk and his wife Sarah Childress Pok once stood on this site. Married on New Years Day 1824, the couple rented the home for a year before deciding to purchase it in 1825. The modest house, which Polk called a one-and-a-half-story cottage, served as their primary residence until their move to the White House in 1845 when Polk was elected as the 11th U.S. President. James and Sarah Polk graciously entertained distinguished guests here, including former Presidents Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren.
Reverse Side
It was from this residence that Polk launched his successful campaign for the United States Congress, the Governorship of Tennessee and the U.S. Presidency with wife Sarah as his trusted personal and political confidante. On November 16, 1844, momentous news was delivered at dawn by an overnight rider from Nashville that Polk had been elected President. They sold the house in 1847, choosing to spend their retirement years in Nashville. The house changed hands several times before it was demolished in 1961.
Erected 2026 by City of Columbia Tennessee.
Topics. This historical marker
this page online
Location. 35° 36.931′ N, 87° 2.348′ W. Marker is in Columbia, Tennessee, in Maury County. It is in Downtown. It is on West 7th Street (Tennessee Route 99) west of N Frierson Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 320 W 7th St, Columbia TN 38401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Middle Tennessee and in Greater Nashville. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Naval Gun from the Spanish Armored Cruiser Vizcaya (within shouting distance of this marker); The Memorial Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Peter's Church (Episcopal)
Photographed by Tom Bosse, April 11, 2026
2. The Polk Residence Marker (Side 2)
Also see . . . City of Columbia unveils historical marker at residence of former president James K. Polk. (Submitted on April 15, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
Photographed by Tom Bosse, April 11, 2026
3. The Polk Residence Marker
Photographed by Tom Bosse, April 11, 2026
4. The Polk Residence Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 15, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
