Ridiculous History CLASSIC: Digging Up James K Polk (For the Third Time)
Jan 4, 2024
Join Ben and Noel as they discuss the repeated exhumation of James K Polk's remains. They explore his significant policy movements during his presidency, the controversy surrounding his burial and relocation, and the potential move of his remains to a museum. The chapter also mentions historical precedents of exhuming presidential remains, including Abraham Lincoln's multiple movements.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Polk's One-Term Policy Impact
- James K. Polk accomplished large, lasting institutional changes during a single presidential term.
- His actions expanded U.S. territory by over 800,000 square miles through the Mexican–American War and annexation policies.
Initial Burial During Cholera Outbreak
- Polk died in 1849 during a cholera outbreak and was first buried in a municipal cemetery due to city ordinance.
- His body was later exhumed and moved to Polk Place where he had wished to be interred.
Polk's Will And Polk Place Fate
- Polk had written a will that requested burial at Polk Place and that the state hold the property in trust with a blood relative living there.
- Courts later voided parts of the will, Polk Place was sold and torn down, and the site became development property.