(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Michael Curcio (R-Dickson) today announced that he is sponsoring a resolution to bring the remains of late U.S. President James K. Polk back home to Maury County.
The measure expresses support for the relocation of Polk’s tomb from the grounds of the State Capitol to the President James K. Polk Home and Museum in Maury County.
During the early 1800s, Polk and his family resettled from North Carolina to an area near the Duck River in Maury County. The Polk Family was extremely active in politics— both in the county, as well as in the nearby town of Columbia.
After he graduated from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Polk was elected clerk of the Tennessee State Senate. He later served as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives and was chosen as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives before becoming Tennessee’s ninth governor in 1839.
Six years later, Polk was elected our nation’s 11th president. During his presidency (1845-1849), he led the nation through the ratification of the Oregon Treaty, the Texas annexation, and the Mexican-American War.
Additionally, President Polk started the United States Naval Academy, commissioned the Washington Monument, and issued the first postage stamp.
Since the loss of Polk Place in 1901 and the opening of the President James K. Polk Home and Museum in Columbia in 1929, Polk’s legacy has been found in Maury County. Therefore, this location most closely fits his request as the only remaining home Polk lived in except for the White House. Since 1929, the President James K. Polk Home and Museum has been the main historic site for the 11th President and houses the largest collection of Polk artifacts.
“James K. Polk was an extraordinary Tennessean and a remarkable servant of our nation,” said Representative Curcio. “It is only fitting that we honor his wishes and finally bring his remains back home to Maury County so that he may finally rest in peace.”
The James K. Polk Home and Museum is a National Historic Landmark owned by the state. For more information about the site, please click here.
Michael Curcio serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Criminal Justice Committee. He is also a member of the House Insurance & Banking Committee, as well as the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. Curcio lives in Dickson and Represents House District 69, which includes Hickman County, as well as parts of Dickson and Maury Counties. He can be reached by email at Rep.Michael.Curcio@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-3513.
