Tennessee House Bill HJR0167

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Engrossed: 2/9/23
• Enrolled: 4/26/23
• Passed: 5/4/23

Caption

A RESOLUTION to honor James K. Polk and commemorate the placement of his tomb on the capitol grounds.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the importance of the tomb’s current location, framing it as integral to the historical narrative of both President Polk and the state of Tennessee. By commemorating the site at the Capitol, HJR0167 seeks to acknowledge the contributions of President Polk while reinforcing the Capitol as a historic landmark. This recognition helps protect the site from potential changes and facilitates continued public access for honoring the Polks’ legacy.

Summary

HJR0167 is a resolution that honors President James K. Polk and commemorates the placement of his tomb on the Tennessee State Capitol grounds. The resolution outlines the historical context of President Polk's burial, initially in a temporary grave in the Nashville City Cemetery in 1849, followed by its relocation to a tomb designed by architect William Strickland. The tomb, along with President Polk's and First Lady Sarah Childress Polk's remains, was moved to the Capitol grounds in 1893 at the behest of the Tennessee General Assembly after the sale and demolition of his previous residence, Polk Place.

Contention

Throughout its discussion in the legislature, HJR0167 faced some contention, particularly surrounding the broader implications of presidential burials and the potentiality of relocating such sites, as evidenced by a 2017 proposal to move the tomb. Concerns were voiced about the sanctity of presidential grave sites and the historical inaccuracies that could arise from changes to their locations. The resolution emphasizes maintaining the integrity of the site, as its designation as a national historic landmark adds a level of protection, reinforcing the argument against any future relocation efforts.