Season 1, Episode 11-James K Polk and Pineville

Listen to This Episode!

We are heading back to the Tar Heel State, and not too far from the Waxhaws, to visit Pineville, North Carolina, the birthplace of James Knox Polk, 11th President of the United States.

Just like Old Hickory, “Young Hickory” and his family sought a fortune in Tennessee, but the birthplace cabin has been rebuilt and the site is now a North Carolina State Park.

Learn about James Knox Polk’s childhood, and the peculiarities of his personality, his hardworking nature, and how he navigated the murky waters of the 1840s political scene!

James Knox Polk State Historic Park site.

Video tour of James Polk State Historic Site.

Be sure to listen to James K Polk’s “Visiting the Presidents” Episode from Season 2, “James K Polk and Columbia” for his home!

Also, listen to James K Polk’s “Visiting the Presidents” Episode from Season 3, “James K Polk’s Tomb” for his gravesite!

From My October 2017 Visit!

From My July 2021 Visit!

From My June 2022 Visit!

From My June 2023 Visit!

Inside the Polk Birthplace Museum

James Knox Polk Birthplace: 12031 Lancaster Highway, Pineville, NC 28134.

Check Out the Most Recent Episodes!

S3 E35 John F Kennedy's Tomb – Visiting the Presidents

“You certainly can’t say that the people of Dallas haven’t given you a nice welcome,” Nellie Connolly said to John F Kennedy, and he responded, "No, you certainly can't." The last words of Kennedy, 35th President of the United States before three shots rang out and ended his life. Learn about his murder, his funeral, and burial, as well as the gravesite! Check out the website at VisitingthePresidents.com for visual aids, links, past episodes, recommended reading, and other information!Episode Page: https://visitingthepresidents.com/2026/04/07/season-3-episode-35-john-f-kennedys-tomb/Season 1's John F Kennedy Episode: "John F Kennedy and Brookline" on his birthplace!Season 2's John F Kennedy Episode: "John F Kennedy and Hyannis Port" on his homes!Support the showAlso, check out “Visiting the Presidents” on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! 

1. S3 E35 John F Kennedy's Tomb 56:24
2. S3 E34 Dwight Eisenhower's Tomb 53:00
3. S3 E33 Harry S Truman's Tomb 49:49
4. S3 E32 Franklin Roosevelt's Tomb 56:58
5. S3 E31 Herbert Hoover's Tomb 47:41

Recommended Reading for James Knox Polk

Borneman, Walter R. Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America.

Leonard, Thomas. James K. Polk: A Clear and Unquestionable Destiny.

Sellers, Charles Grier. James K. Polk: Jacksonian 1795-1843.