james k. polk By mk.ksenich Nov 2, 1795 james k polk was born May 17, 1818 graduated from north carolina at chapel hill Oct 4, 1823 he was elected to the state legislature Jan 1, 1824 he married sarah childress polk Aug 5, 1825 then elected to US house of representatives Nov 5, 1844 won the election as the dark horse candidate Mar 4, 1845 his presidency began Apr 25, 1846 mexican war happened while in office Feb 2, 1848 mexican war ended Feb 4, 1849 university of Wisconsin begins in 1 room with 20 students Mar 3, 1849 territory of Minnesota organizes Mar 4, 1849 polks presidency ended Apr 10, 1849 safety pin was patented by Walter Hunt Jun 15, 1849 james k polk died