Facts about Sarah Polk: Fact Sheet of Sarah Polk Facts and Info: This fast fact sheet provides important information about Sarah Polk, First Lady of the United States of America. Sarah Polk Fact Sheet - The First Lady of President James K Polk Relationship to President James K Polk: WifeDate Sarah Polk entered White House as First Lady: March 4, 1845 Term of Presidency: 1845-1849When and where was Sarah Polk born? She was born on September 4, 1803 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee What was the name of her father and mother?The name of her parents: Captain Joel Childress & Elizabeth Whitsitt Childress What was her relationship to President James K Polk?Sarah was his wife When did she marry?The couple married on January 1, 1824 What are the names of her children? The couple had no children When and where did Sarah Polk die?Sarah Polk died on August 14, 1891 in Nashville, Tennessee Sarah Polk Fact Sheet - The First Lady of President James K Polk Picture of Sarah Polk Facts about Sarah Polk: Fast Overview of Events in the White House Facts and Info: Sarah Polk assumed the position of First Lady to President James K Polk. She witnessed the important events of his presidency that included the Mexican War and his policy of expansion which added Texas and California to the U.S. Personality and Character: Sarah Polk Quotes Facts and Info: An insight into the personal views, character and personality of this First Lady may be obtained from the following Sarah Polk quotes: "If I should be so fortunate as to reach the White House, I expect to live on $25,000 a year, and I will neither keep house nor make butter." Facts about Sarah Polk: Her Nickname or Pet Name, Sahara Sarah Facts and Info: This First Lady was known by the nickname of "Sahara Sarah". Sarah was a sober, deeply religious woman who did not allow drinking, dancing or card-playing at the White House - which was referred to as being "As dry as the desert" hence the reference to the Sahara.. Facts about Sarah Polk: First Events Facts and Info: Sarah Polk was the 1st First Lady to host the first annual White House Thanksgiving dinner and was the first to install Gas lights into the White House and use an ice box. Facts about the Causes and Accomplishments of Sarah Polk Facts and Info: First Ladies are not elected so have no official role. Their accomplishments are therefore based on their own particular wishes that ranged from political interests, humanitarian and charitable causes or duties relating to their family or social responsibilities. The causes and accomplishments of Sarah Polk were demonstrated in her political support of her husband and their joint belief in Expansionism. The term expansionism referred to westward expansion of the nation at any price. It was the belief of many Americans at the time that the ideal of expansion was the fate and due course of the nation, in other words a Manifest Destiny for the country. Facts about Sarah Polk: The Life of Sarah Polk Facts and Info: Sarah Polk was born on September 4, 1803, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and was raised in a strict Presbyterian family. Her strong religious beliefs were reflected in the way she conducted her life. Sarah met James Knox Polk in 1821 and he proposed to her in 1823. She was extremely ambitious for her husband and made him promise he would run for Congress before they married. The couple married on January 1, 1824 but were not destined to have any children and Sarah dedicated her life to politics and furthering her husband's career. Sarah was extremely well educated which enabled her to act as personal secretary to her husband and help him write his speeches. She was well informed and able to give him ideas and advice. Sarah played an active role in his political campaigns and exerted significant influence on public affairs and politics. James Polk become the 11th U.S. president in 1845 and Sarah assumed the role as First Lady. She was a highly organized and capable hostess and arranged numerous social events and parties. Her strict Presbyterian upbringing influenced all social events at the White House and she did not allow dancing, card playing or heavy drinking, which earned her the nickname of 'Sahara Sarah'. Sarah was responsible for remodeling the interior of the White House and using a limited budget and using her elegant taste in furnishings was able to create an elegant setting suiting the President's high office. Sarah staffed the White House with her slaves and the basement was renovated to provide their accommodation. Despite her unkind nickname 'Sahara Sarah' she remained a popular and highly respected First Lady. James Polk served in office from March 4, 1845 to March 4, 1849. He died of cholera at the age of 53 on June 15, 1849, just 103 days after he retired from the presidency. Sarah died on August 14, 1891 at the age of 87. Sarah Polk was buried next to her husband in Nashville, Tennessee. |