Fun Things to Do in Charlotte NC--Visit the James K. Polk Historic Site
Fun Things to Do in Charlotte NC—Visit the James K. Polk Historic
Site
Who is James K. Polk? He was the 11th president of the
United States and he was born in Mecklenburg County. To most, Charlotte NC
appears to be a shiny new city that has erased its history. To a certain
extent, that’s true. But history buffs can find pieces of Charlotte’s history
here and there throughout the city.
Fittingly perhaps, the James K. Polk Historic Site is located in the
shadow of one of Charlotte’s largest malls. The site is part of what
was once the 150-acre farm of Polk’s parents. The three log buildings at the
site are not original but are representative of backcountry buildings from the
early 1800s. You’ll find a log home with period furnishings, a tavern with a
kitchen, and a log barn. A visitor’s center includes a film about Polk’s life
and exhibits showing what farm life was like at the turn of the 19th
century.
The Polk Historic Site hosted a living history event on a recent
December afternoon. Visitors could see how Christmas was celebrated in
Mecklenburg County in 1801. The log buildings were decorated with pine boughs
and red berries. Costumed interpreters were cooking over the fire in the tavern
kitchen. Interpreters in the log house were knitting and talking about life
when Polk and his parents lived there. Children played period games and enjoyed
crafts.
As President, Polk achieved some far-reaching goals for a man born and raised
in the North Carolina backcountry. During his administration, the United States
annexed Texas and acquired the California Territory.
The James K. Polk State Historic
Site is located at 12031 Lancaster Highway in Pineville NC. Admission is
free.
Want to know more about living in Charlotte NC? Request a
free Charlotte
NC relocation package.
Copyright 2011. Carol Fox. Allen Tate Realtors. *Fun Things to Do
in Charlotte NC—Visit the James K. Polk Historic Site*