A Recreation of President James K. Polk's 1847 Visit to Chapel Hill

May 3, 2008 - Horace Williams House

In 1847, President James K. Polk took a rare trip away from the White House to visit his alma mater in Chapel Hill. Polk was the country's first dark horse candidate by narrowly defeating Henry Clay who lost votes to the new Liberty Party. As the eleventh president, Polk was perhaps most responsible than any other single person for setting the boundaries of what came to be the American West. During his term in office the United States found itself in locked in an unpopular war, wrestling with issues of immigration, and debating overseas trade.

The Preservation Society of Chapel Hill is pleased to present this recreation of Polk's visit to Chapel Hill. The program is free and open to the public.

Schedule of Events

11 a.m. – “Just Like Our Boys in Mexico”

Learn how American soldiers fought during the Mexican War. Members of the Salem Light Infantry will demonstrate typical soldier’s drill and discuss the military equipment of the mid nineteenth century.

12 noon – “Hail to the Chief”

President James K. Polk and his entourage arrive at the Horace Williams House. The President is expected to give a short speech. Representatives of the UNC student body will also present an oratory welcoming the President to Chapel Hill.

Historical Tidbit: “Hail To The Chief” was first played in the United States in 1812 and first associated with the presidential office in 1828. First Lady Sarah Polk is also credited with using “Hail to the Chief” to announce the arrival of the President. President James. K. Polk was an unassuming man of slight stature, and his arrival at large functions frequently went unnoticed. To avoid this embarrassment, Mrs. Polk reportedly asked the Marine Band to play “Hail to the Chief” to announce him.

12:30 p.m. – “Affectations of the Age”

Please join enjoy a short concert of period music by the Blue Tailed Skinks in the Horace Williams house. During the intermission, members of the Citizens of the Old North State will present temperance tableau, or play, in honor of Mr. Polk.

1:30 p.m. -  “Tea with James ”

President Polk will be taking tea and visitors are encouraged to chat with him about current events of 1847.

2:00 p.m. – “Rosen Up the Bow”

Outdoor concert by the Blue Tailed Skinks.

3:00 p.m. – "Polk's America, Our America"

Historian and Director of the Center for the Study of the American South, Harry Watson, will highlight the political similarities of the 1840s with that of the 2000s.

3:30 p.m. – “In the Footsteps of Polk”

Dr Rollie Tillman, founding director of the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, will lead a historical tour across UNC campus following in the footsteps of President Polk time at UNC from student to president. Rollie's unique commentary will be sure to bring the President's visit to life.

Historical Tidbit: While a student at UNC in 1818, Polk was a member of the Dialectic and Philanthropic Society and visited the organizations chambers on his return in 1847. The Society's expansive portrait collection has one of only two portraits painted of the President during his time in office.

For more information on the event, please contact the Preservation Society at (919) 942-7818 or email us at CHPreservation@mindspring.com