He was the 11th President of the United States and was known as the "young hickory" and the first "dark horse". James Knox Polk accomplished a lot in his life. He served in the House of Representatives, became governor of Tennessee and president of the United States. His accomplishments impacted the United States and made it what it is today. For example, he annexed Texas, lowered tariffs, created an independent federal Treasury, went to war with Mexico, and added three states to the union. If James Polk did not become president, then it is possible that California, New Mexico, and Oregon would not be part of the United States. James Knox Polk was born November 2, 1795, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. James was the son of surveyor and farmer Samuel Polk and his mother Jane Polk, from the family of Scottish religious reformer John Knox. He was the eldest of four sisters and five brothers, many of whom died young. At the age of 10, he and his family moved to Duck River, Tennessee, now known as Maury County. James was not a healthy young person and was diagnosed with gallstones, but had undergone a risky operation to have them removed. During his childhood, he received only informal education. At age 18, he began his formal education. After attending formal school for two and a half years, Polk was allowed to go to the University of North Carolina as a sophomore (design). He was interested in law and government through membership in a debating society. After graduating with honors in his class, Polk returned to Tennessee to become a lawyer. To receive legal training, "Polk served as a clerk in the Tennessee Senate, working for attorney Felix Grundy" (Design). At twenty-seven, his political life began. He is... middle of paper...... June 5, 1999. Web. February 10, 2011. .Kelly, Martin. “Biography of James K Polk – Eleventh President of the United States.” American history from around . Internet. February 10, 2011. .Slavery, Texas With. “James K Polk – 11th President of the United States.” Squidoo: Welcome to Squidoo. Internet. February 10, 2011. "The Mexican-American War. Prelude to war. Bluffs and borders: The brinkmanship of James K. Polk | PBS." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. March 14, 2006. The web. February 10, 2011. .Turner, George A. “James K. Polk.” Columbia County Historical and Genealogical Society. Internet. February 10. 2011. .