Primary sourceDocumentJanuary 14, 1833
Signed Check by James K. Polk
James K. Polk · January 14, 1833
A personal bank check signed by Polk in 1833 while he served as a U.S. Representative from Tennessee.
This check, signed by Polk as a Representative, is a personal record from before his presidency.
About this source
What it is
This is a signed bank check dated January 14, 1833, made out to J. K. Polk for two hundred dollars. It was signed by Polk while he was serving as a U.S. Representative from Tennessee and as Speaker. It is held by the National Museum of American History.
Why it matters
Everyday objects like a bank check reveal the ordinary financial life behind a famous political career. Before becoming president, Polk was a working legislator with personal bills and bank accounts, just like other Americans of his time.
Look closer
- What does this check tell you about Polk's life that a speech or portrait would not?
- Why might a museum choose to preserve something as ordinary as a bank check?
- What is missing from this record that would help you understand what the money was for?
This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of James K. Polk on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
More James K. Polk sources
Meet the AI James K. Polk →
Diary entryPrimary source
Diary of James K. Polk
James K. Polk · 1845–1849
Primary source
Inaugural Address of James K. Polk
James K. Polk · 4 March 1845
Primary source
James K. Polk's First State of the Union Address
James K. Polk · 2 December 1845
DocumentPrimary source
Spot Resolutions
Abraham Lincoln · 22 December 1847
DocumentPrimary source
Oregon Treaty
15 June 1846
Ready when you are
Start chatting with James K. Polk now.
20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.