James K. Polk — 11th President of the United States
11th President of the United States, Democratic
James K. Polk
Term: Mar 4, 1845 – Mar 4, 1849
James K. Polk (1795–1849) was the eleventh president of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849, and oversaw the largest territorial expansion of the country since the Louisiana Purchase. During his term the United States annexed Texas, negotiated a treaty with Britain to acquire the Oregon Territory, and fought the Mexican–American War (1846–1848), which resulted in Mexico ceding present-day California, Nevada, Utah, and much of the Southwest. Polk declared before taking office that he would serve only one term and kept that pledge, leaving office in 1849 and dying just three months later.
“Our title to the country of the Oregon is "clear and unquestionable," and already are our people preparing to perfect that title by occupying it with their wives and children.”