President James K. Polk State Historic Site

We have fluttering pollinators visiting us today! NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources North Carolina Historic Sites Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation

On this day, May 28, 1847, President James K. Polk visited his alma mater, the University of North Carolina (UNC Chapel Hill). NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources North Carolina Historic Sites The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Photo Credit: Stephen H. Smith. Sculpture of James K. Polk. 1997. Bronze sculpture, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

On this day, May 20, 1968, The President James K. Polk State Historic Site was officially dedicated by former First Lady, Claudia Alta Johnson, more casually known as Lady Bird Johnson. Next to her, Governor Dan Moore was also present for the dedication. NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources North Carolina Historic Sites

🧺 Step back in time with us on May 29 for Laundry Day!

Join the Historical Hearth Cooks from 10am–2pm as they demonstrate how laundry was done long before washing machines. From mending and stain pre‑treatment to boiling clothes and using a bucking board, you’ll get an engaging look at the tools and techniques that kept linens fresh in the past.

📍 President James K. Polk State Historic Site
🎟️ Free admission | Suggested donation: $5/adults, $2/seniors & children

May 13, 1846 Congress declared war on Mexico after American troops, under General Zachary Taylor, after a clash with Mexican troops on the north bank of the Rio Grande.
NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources North Carolina Historic Sites

Happy Star Wars Day! May the Fourth Be With You!

May 1, 1847, President Polk, First Lady Sarah Polk, VP George Dallas and Polk's cabinet members attended the cornerstone laying ceremony for the Smithsonian Institute. There are no photographs from this day, but an architectural drawing with a small figure of a unidentified man still exists. Can you spot the figure?
Smithsonian NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources North Carolina Historic Sites

Image courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute Archives

In the light of King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit to the United States, here is some royal history. During Polk's time, the British monarch was not nearly as chummy with the United States as they are today. However, in 1860, Queen Victoria's oldest son, Prince Albert Edward, the future King Edward VII, visited Washington DC, perhaps marking the beginning of better relations moving forward.
NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources North Carolina Historic Sites The Library of Congress

Images courtesy of the Library of Congress

The Polk site was truly blessed to receive an Eastern Redbud tree from Northington and Associates to plant in honor of Robert Dreher. Robert is missed and fondly remembered. NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources North Carolina Historic Sites