118 Polk james k Images: LOC's Public Domain Archive Public Domain Search

Called to account, Washington, D.C., Political Cartoon

Once more the House of Representatives investigation of Treasury practices under the Van Buren administration in connection with the Swartwout embezzlement scandal. (See above nos. 1839-6 through -9.) The print... More

Pilgrims' progress - Political cartoon, public domain image

Democratic party war-horse Andrew Jackson appears frequently in the satires of the 1844 election campaign. Here, wearing a long frock coat and tall hat, he leads a donkey carrying Democratic candidates Polk and... More

James K. Polk--President elect of the United States / lith. & pub. by ...

James K. Polk, full-length portrait, standing, facing slightly right, his right hand extending to his side, and left hand on drape on table. Copyright by N. Currier. Currier & Ives : a catalogue raisonné / com... More

James Knox Polk, President of the United States / engraved by J. Sarta...

James Polk, full-length portrait, standing, facing front. Public domain scan of portrait print from Library of Congress, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

The Democratic funeral of 1848 - Political cartoon, public domain imag...

Foreseeing political death for the Democrats in the election, the artist imagines a funeral of the party's standard-bearers with a procession of the faithful. Democratic senators (left to right) Sam Houston of ... More

Loco Foco hunters treeing a candidate

A satire on the Democrats' or "Loco Focos'" 1852 pursuit of Franklin Pierce for the presidential nomination. At the foot of the White Mountains in the "Dismal Swamp," an immense, swampy region of North Carolina... More

Pilgrims' progress. Book illustration from Library of Congress

Democratic party war-horse Andrew Jackson appears frequently in the satires of the 1844 election campaign. Here, wearing a long frock coat and tall hat, he leads a donkey carrying Democratic candidates Polk and... More

Polk's dream Historic map, Library of Congress

Here Clay is critical of James K. Polk's public advocacy of the 54.40 parallel as the northern boundary of American territory in Oregon. The cartoon also alludes to widespread uncertainty as to the course the ... More

The fox hunt. Book illustration from Library of Congress

Again Van Buren's flirtation with radical interests is portrayed as his downfall. As in "The Modern Colossus" (no. 1848-56) antislavery activist Abby Folsom (here "Abby Fulsome") is prominently featured. Here s... More

Defense of the California Bank - Public domain book illustration, Libr...

A mildly jingoistic satire voicing American suspicions of foreign designs on California after the discovery of gold there in 1848. The bay and coastline of San Francisco are shown, menaced by foreign invaders ... More

Polk in his extremity - Political cartoon, public domain image

Henry Clay's easy ascent to the presidency here is in contrast to the serious difficulties experienced by his Democratic opponent James K. Polk. Clay has reached the top of a large pole and has the "Civic Crow... More

[James K. Polk, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing slightly right] / ...

Reproduction of a daguerreotype by Mathew Brady. Public domain photograph of 19th-century daguerreotype portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Matty meeting the Texas question, Political Cartoon

A satire on the Democrats' approach to the delicate question of the annexation of Texas. In marked contrast to his portrayal of the issue as a beautiful woman in "Virtuous Harry" (no. 1844-27), the artist here ... More

Funeral obsequies of free-trade, Political Cartoon

A gloomy view of the effects of the Polk administration's Tariff of 1846. The artist echoes Whig condemnation of the measure as adverse to American trade. A funeral cortege, composed of administration supporter... More

Inauguration of President Polk - The Oath

View of crowd with umbrellas, in front of platform on east portico of U.S. Capitol, where Chief Justice Roger B. Taney administers the oath of office to James K. Polk. Illus. in: The illustrated London news, v.... More

[Nashville, Tenn. Tomb of President James K. Polk]

Photograph of the War in the West. These photographs are of Hood before Nashville. Continuing his policy of the offensive at any cost, Gen. John B. Hood brought his reduced army before the defenses of Nashvill... More

Polk in his extremity - Public domain dedication image

Henry Clay's easy ascent to the presidency here is in contrast to the serious difficulties experienced by his Democratic opponent James K. Polk. Clay has reached the top of a large pole and has the "Civic Crow... More

James K. Polk - eleventh president of the United States

James K. Polk, half-length portrait, seated, facing slightly left, with the U.S. Capitol seen through window in the background. Conningham no. 2615. Currier & Ives : a catalogue raisonné / compiled by Gale Res... More

For President: James K. Polk, of Tennessee. For Vice President: George...

A Democratic election ticket for the 1844 presidential campaign, issued sometime between May 29, when Polk received the Democratic nomination, and the November canvass. The ticket names the party's eight electo... More

Political game of brag. Shew of hands

The artist resorts to the familiar metaphor of a card game for the presidential stakes in his rendition of the 1848 contest. The major contenders play a game of "brag" (an early form of poker). Around the tabl... More

Presidents of the United States, [Bouclet & Feusier portraits of the P...

Portrays 16 Presidents. Public domain image related to President Abraham Lincoln, gelatin silver print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Letter from J. Huddleson to James K. Polk, March 4, 1845

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Huddleson describes viewing President Polk's inauguration ceremony with his family and ... More

Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand. Original document scanned in 1999-200... More

Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand. Original document scanned in 1999-200... More

[Nashville, Tenn. Tomb of President James K. Polk]

Photograph of the War in the West. These photographs are of Hood before Nashville. Continuing his policy of the offensive at any cost, Gen. John B. Hood brought his reduced army before the defenses of Nashvill... More

Tyrants prostrate liberty triumphant, Political Cartoon

A polemic applauding Democratic support of the Dorrite cause in Rhode Island. (See also "Trouble in the Spartan Ranks," and "The Great Political Car and Last Load of Patriots," nos. 1843-6 and 1845-5). In the ... More

Sold for want of use - Public domain book illustration, Library of Con...

Bucholzer again uses animal characterizations to poke fun at the respective faults of prominent Democrats in the 1844 presidential race. In an interior, Whig nominee Henry Clay conducts a livestock auction, off... More

Texas coming in. Book illustration from Library of Congress

A pro-Democrat cartoon forecasting the collapse of Whig opposition to the annexation of Texas. James K. Polk, the expansionist candidate, stands at right near a bridge spanning "Salt River." He holds an America... More

James K. Polk--President elect of the United States / lith. & pub. by ...

James K. Polk, full-length portrait, standing, facing slightly right, his right hand extending to his side, and left hand on drape on table. Copyright by N. Currier. Currier & Ives : a catalogue raisonné / com... More

[James Knox Polk, three-quarter length portrait, three-quarters to the...

President of the United States, 1845-1849. Public domain photograph of 19th-century daguerreotype portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

James K. Polk, President of the United States / From life on stone by ...

Print shows James K. Polk, half-length portrait, facing front. Publication date based on copyright statement on item. Forms part of: Popular graphic art print filing series (Library of Congress).

James K. Polk, President of the United States / From life on stone by ...

Print shows James K. Polk, half-length portrait, facing front. Publication date based on copyright statement on item. Forms part of: Popular graphic art print filing series (Library of Congress).

The great American steeple chase for 1844

An imaginative and elaborate parody on the upcoming 1844 presidential campaign. The artist favors Whig nominee-apparent Henry Clay and is highly critical of incumbent John Tyler. The "chase" for the presidency ... More

Virtuous Harry, or set a thief to catch a thief!

A satire on the Whig party's anti-annexation platform. The question of whether or not to annex Texas was a large issue separating candidates in the 1844 campaign. Annexation's serious implications for the futur... More

The organ kicked out - Public domain book illustration, Library of Con...

The Senate's February 1847 resolution barring reporters and editors of the "Washington Union" from the Senate floor and gallery was the basis for the artist's demeaning portrayal of the newspaper's powerful edi... More

Burial place of James K. Polk, Nashville Tenn.

H114249 U.S. Copyright Office. Public domain photograph of Tennessee, United States, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand. Original document scanned in 1999-200... More

James K. Polk - eleventh president of the United States

James K. Polk, half-length portrait, seated, facing slightly left, with the U.S. Capitol seen through window in the background. Conningham no. 2615. Currier & Ives : a catalogue raisonné / compiled by Gale Res... More

Machines for the new pay-tent office

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1838, by H.R. Robinson, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of New York. Printed & published by H.R. Rob... More

Political cock fighters. Book illustration from Library of Congress

A figurative portrayal of the 1844 presidential contest as a cock-fight, in which Whig candidate Henry Clay prevails. Clay and Democratic opponent Polk battle in a pit or ring as several prominent political fi... More

Political guillotine. Book illustration from Library of Congress

A cryptic satire critical of Lewis Cass and incumbent President James K. Polk. The work probably appeared prior to the Whig national convention (June 9-10), since reference is made to a Clay-Fillmore ticket. (T... More

Political chart. Presidential campaign, 1860

Campaign broadside presenting portraits and platforms of all candidates as well as portraits of the 15 previous Presidents.

[James K. Polk, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing left]

Photograph is reproduction of portrait print. Reference copy in BIOG FILE.

[James Knox Polk, three-quarter length portrait, three-quarters to the...

President of the United States, 1845-1849. Public domain photograph of 19th-century daguerreotype portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Balloon ascension to the presidential chair

Reflecting Whig preelection confidence in the campaign of 1844, the artist portrays that party's ascendancy over the Democrats in the race for the presidency. Bucholzer uses the metaphor of a hot-air balloon ra... More

The issue joined - Public domain drawing

An indignant James K. Polk takes issue with Massachusetts senator Daniel Webster's public attacks on his Texas policy. In 1844 Webster had been opposed to the annexation of Texas and in 1846 he criticized atta... More

The two bridges - Political cartoon, public domain image

As in "Texas Coming In" (no. 1844-28), a bridge over Salt River is the central motif, making the difference between the Whigs' successful crossing to the "Presidential Chair" and the disastrous route taken by t... More

Fight between the Kentucky coon & the Tennessee alligator

A woodland fantasy satirizing the prominent figures of the 1844 election campaign. The artist again favors Whig candidate Henry Clay, the "Kentucky Coon," who is shown overwhelming Democrat James K. Polk, the ... More

Loco Foco triumphal honors - Public domain book illustration, Library ...

A mock triumphal procession ridiculing "Loco Foco" or radical Democratic support of candidates James K. Polk and George M. Dallas. The Loco Focos are portrayed as ragged Irishmen, carrying the two candidates on... More

Santa Anna declining a hasty plate of soup at Cerro Gordo

An exultant view of Winfield Scott's second major victory in the Mexican War, at the Battle of Cerro Gordo, where Mexican commander Santa Anna beat an unceremonious retreat. In the mid-April victory Santa Anna'... More

[James K. Polk, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing slightly right] / ...

Reproduction of a daguerreotype by Mathew Brady. Public domain photograph of 19th-century daguerreotype portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

The issue joined. Book illustration from Library of Congress

An indignant James K. Polk takes issue with Massachusetts senator Daniel Webster's public attacks on his Texas policy. In 1844 Webster had been opposed to the annexation of Texas and in 1846 he criticized atta... More

The masked battery or Loco-Foco strategy

Another commentary on the Texas question (see "Texas Coming In," no. 1844-28), illustrating Democratic campaign strategy as advanced by Andrew Jackson. The idea of the annexation of Texas, repudiated by many of... More

James K. Polk - eleventh president of the United States / lith. & pub....

James K. Polk, half-length portrait, seated, facing slightly left, with the U.S. Capitol seen through window in the background. Conningham no. 2614. Currier & Ives : a catalogue raisonné / compiled by Gale Res... More

[James K. Polk, full-length portrait, seated, facing right]

Steel engraving after painting by Chappel. Copyright by Johnson, Fry & Co.

A democratic indignation meeting / after a sketch by our special artis...

Print shows the ghost of Thomas Jefferson speaking to a gathering of the ghosts of John Tyler, Lewis Cass, James K. Polk, Stephen A. Douglas, Franklin Pierce, Andrew Jackson, William L. Marcy, Samuel J. Tilden,... More

[Nashville, Tenn. Tomb of President James K. Polk]

Photograph of the War in the West. These photographs are of Hood before Nashville. Continuing his policy of the offensive at any cost, Gen. John B. Hood brought his reduced army before the defenses of Nashvill... More

[James Knox Polk, three-quarter length portrait, three-quarters to the...

President of the United States, 1845-1849. Public domain photograph of 19th-century daguerreotype portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

[James Knox Polk, three-quarter length portrait, three-quarters to the...

President of the United States, 1845-1849. Public domain photograph of 19th-century daguerreotype portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Bursting the balloon - Political cartoon, public domain image

Democratic frustrations in the race for the "Presidential Chair" are again parodied in the sequel or companion to "Balloon Ascension to the Presidential Chair" (no. 1844-32). Here the ascent of the Democrats is... More

James K. Polk. Governor of the state of Tennessee / from life & on sto...

Print shows James K. Polk, half-length portrait, facing left; includes facsimile signature.

Footrace, Pennsylvania Avenue. Stakes $25,000, Political Cartoon

The race for a $25,000 prize (the president's salary) is a metaphor for the 1844 campaign. The favored contender here is Henry Clay. The other runners are James K. Polk and John Tyler, while commentaries are of... More

Uncle Sam and his servants - Political cartoon, public domain image

An anti-Tyler satire, lampooning the incumbent's efforts to secure a second term against challengers Henry Clay and James Polk. With his shoulder to the door Tyler bars the entry of (left to right) John C. Cal... More

Political Jesuitism--or interest versus principle

A virulent attack on Vice-President George M. Dallas, charging the former Pennsylvania attorney and senator with duplicity in his stand on the tariff of 1846. "Jesuitism" was a strong contemporary term for dece... More

The place we hear about - Public domain book illustration, Library of ...

Another grim portrayal of violent goldfield life in California, similar to "Things as They Are" (no. 1849-3) and equally critical of the outgoing Polk administration. Here again mayhem erupts, as prospectors an... More

[President James K. Polk, half-length portrait, seated, facing right]

Brady-Handy Collection (Library of Congress). Reproduction of a daguerreotype taken between 1845 and 1849. LC-BH82-8.

James Knox Polk. Elected President of the U. States. 1844 / Haas Lith....

Print shows James K. Polk, half-length portrait, standing, facing front, with arms folded across chest; sketch of the "Map of the State of Tennessee" to the right. Entered according to act of Congress in the y... More

James K. Polk, 11th president of the United States / On stone by A. Ne...

James K. Polk, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing slightly left. Public domain scan of portrait print from Library of Congress, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Nashville, Tenn. Tomb of President James K. Polk

Photograph of the War in the West. These photographs are of Hood before Nashville. Continuing his policy of the offensive at any cost, Gen. John B. Hood brought his reduced army before the defenses of Nashville... More

James Knox Polk, President of the United States / engraved by J. Sarta...

James Polk, full-length portrait, standing, facing front.

Battle of Cerro Gordo - Public domain book illustration, Library of Co...

An attack on James K. Polk's attempts to undermine Winfield Scott's military efforts and reputation through his handling of the Mexican War in April 1847. Shortly after Scott's victory at Cerro Gordo, Polk disp... More

Letter from Henry Ewing to James K. Polk, March 3, 1845

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Ewing offers his congratulations to President-elect Polk. Letter from Henry Ewing to Ja... More

Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand. Original document scanned in 1999-200... More

Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand. Original document scanned in 1999-200... More

Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand. Original document scanned in 1999-200... More

Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand. Original document scanned in 1999-200... More

Cleansing the Augean stable - Public domain book scan / drawing

A pro-Whig satire, envisioning the cleansing of the "Augean Stable" of government corruption by presidential candidate Henry Clay and other Whigs. The title derives from one of the twelve mythical labors of Her... More

Inauguration of President Polk. - Approach to the Capitol

Illustration shows crowd in the rain, holding umbrellas, walking up the steps of the U.S.Capitol for the inauguration of James K. Polk. Illus. in: The illustrated London news, v. 6, 1845 April 19, p. 244, top.

The coon party crossing Cayuga Bridge Novr. 1844. Or the effects of C...

A cartoon on the defeat of Whig Henry Clay in the 1844 presidential election, ascribing his loss of the state of New York to his cousin Cassius M. Clay's campaign tour on his behalf. Oddly, though given promine... More

Letter from R. I. Ingersoll to James K. Polk, March 5, 1845

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Ralph Isaacs Ingersoll (1789-1872), a representative from Connecticut and future minist... More

Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand. Original document scanned in 1999-200... More

Sale of dogs - Political cartoon, public domain image

Seeking a middle course between the issues of the annexation of Texas on one hand and abolitionism on the other, Van Buren lost the support of southern Democrats, including elderly statesman Andrew Jackson. Her... More

Going to Texas after the election of 1844

A comic scene anticipating a Whig victory in the upcoming presidential election. The date is 1845, after an election supposedly decided on the Texas question, the tariff issue, and Democratic identification wi... More

Arrangements for Inauguration, February 26, 1845

[Arrangements for Inauguration], February 26, 1845. Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Original document scanned in 1999-2... More

Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand. Original document scanned in 1999-200... More

A peep at the future - Public domain book illustration, Library of Con...

A Whig fantasy on the supposed outcome of the 1844 election. Here Henry Clay and Theodore Frelinghuysen occupy the White House. They watch from a window as John Tyler plays a hand organ and leads a group of mi... More

Treeing coons - Political cartoon, public domain image

One of the few satires sympathetic to the Democrats to appear during the 1844 presidential contest. Democratic presidential nominee James Polk is portrayed as a buckskinned hunter who has treed "coons" Henry Cl... More

Letter from J. Huddleson to James K. Polk, March 4, 1845

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Huddleson describes viewing President Polk's inauguration ceremony with his family and ... More

Arrangements for Inauguration, February 26, 1845

[Arrangements for Inauguration], February 26, 1845. Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Original document scanned in 1999-2... More

Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand. Original document scanned in 1999-200... More

Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand. Original document scanned in 1999-200... More

Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand. Original document scanned in 1999-200... More

James K. Polk. Speaker of the House of Representatives, U.S. from life...

Print shows James K. Polk, half-length portrait, facing slightly left. Publication date based on copyright statement on item. Forms part of: Popular graphic art print filing series (Library of Congress).

The hunter of Kentucky - coin, public domain photograph

Henry Clay is the hunter, and various Democrats his quarry. Clay wears a fringed buckskin outfit and coonskin cap reminiscent of Davy Crockett and the Western characters of the contemporary stage, such as Nimro... More

Distinguished military operations with a hasty bowl of soup

The satire apparently perceives President Polk's reinstatement of Winfield Scott over Zachary Taylor as commander of U.S. forces in the Mexican War in November 1846 as an attempt to squelch the extreme personal... More

Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand. Original document scanned in 1999-200... More

Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand. Original document scanned in 1999-200... More

The patriots getting their beans, Political Cartoon

A satirical view of the scramble among newly elected President James K. Polk's 1844 campaign supporters, or "patriots," for "their beans," i.e., patronage and other official favors. Polk (upper right) sits in t... More

Nashville, Tenn. Tomb of President James K. Polk

Photograph of the War in the West. These photographs are of Hood before Nashville. Continuing his policy of the offensive at any cost, Gen. John B. Hood brought his reduced army before the defenses of Nashville... More

Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand

Forms part of James K. Polk papers, 1775-1891; for additional information, see: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms009178 Inaugural Address, March 4, 1845, in Polk's hand. Original document scanned in 1999-200... More

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