James Polk, White House Collection

This oil on canvas painting of President James Polk was done by popular portraitist George Peter Alexander Healy (sometimes known as G. P. A. Healy) in 1858, nine years after Polk's death. Prior to his time in the White House, Polk served in the House of Representatives and was governor of Tennessee. He served as president from March 4, 1845 until March 4, 1849. He added to the size of the country by annexing the Republic of Texas and acquiring California, New Mexico, and the Oregon Territory, which includes the current day states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of Montana and Wyoming.