Sarah Polk (1803-1891) was an American first lady (1845–1849), wife of James K. Polk, the 11th president of the United States. Compared to most other first ladies of the 19th century, she was deeply involved in her husband's career and, through him, exerted considerable influence on public affairs and politics.
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This Day in History
May 22
Presidential
Martha Washington dies, 1802
President George Washington's devoted widow and the nation's first first lady, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, dies at her Mt. Vernon home on this day…
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As first lady, Sarah Polk supervised the installation of gaslights in the White House and hosted the first annual Thanksgiving dinner in the executive mansion.
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