Polk's Inauguration

James K. Polk (1795-1849)
Inaugural address, March 4, 1845
Holograph manuscript
Manuscript Division (87.4)

Content

Elected with a public mandate for the inclusion of Texas into the Federal Union, James K. Polk was inaugurated the eleventh president of the United States on March 4, 1845. With Polk's encouragement and support, Congress approved a joint-resolution to offer Texas statehood on February 28, 1845. The following July, the Texas legislature accepted and on December 29, 1845, Polk signed the Texas Admissions Act making Texas the twenty-eighth state to enter the Union. After a stormy term in office, including a successful war against Mexico for Texas, Polk declined to run for re-election.