Alexander, Davis: Polk Presidential Hall Receives $243,000 for Preservation April 5, 2008

Columbia, TN U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Representative Lincoln Davis (D-Tenn. 4) said today during a Mule Day visit to the James K. Polk Presidential Home here that the historic residence has received a $243,000 allocation from the federal government. The funding- part of the FY08 Omnibus Appropriations Act- will help preserve the home's extensive collection of original artifacts owned by President Polk.

"Columbia is full of history and the Polk Home is a great example of that," said Alexander, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, while in town for the annual Mule Dale festival. "This funding will help preserve this home and President Polk's belongings so that future generations can learn from its rich past and remember what it means to be an American. I will continue to work with Congressman Davis to make sure this community gets the resources it needs to preserve its important heritage."

"This funding is great news for the Polk Memorial Association. James K. Polk is a part of our state's history that we should continue to preserve for generations to come," Rep. Davis said. "I compliment Senator Alexander for his work on the Appropriations Committee to make this happen."

The James K. Polk Ancestral Home is the only surviving residence of the eleventh U.S. President. Polk lived in this home with his parents after graduating from college in 1818 until his marriage in 1824. While living in his family's Columbia home, James practiced law and began his political career by successfully running for the State Legislature. The museum contains numerous items from President Polk's years in Tennessee and Washington, D.C, including furniture, paintings and White House china.