Historians In Awe Over Discovery At Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Property

James Polk Supported Slavery… Until He Didn’t

The 11th President of the United States won the Democratic nomination in 1844 partially because he was tolerant of slave ownership. Polk had inherited slaves through his father’s plantation and used his considerable influence and money during his Presidency to purchase more slaves.

He used slaves to increase his personal wealth but then stated in his will that they should be freed after the death of his wife. However, the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States, freed his slaves before his wife passed away.