711 Union Street
Nashville, TN, USA

Polk Place

Built from 1815, for Felix Grundy (1777-1840), U.S. Attorney-General, and his wife Ann Philips Rodgers (1779-1847). Originally named "Grundy Place," in the same year that Mrs Grundy died the house was purchased by U.S. President James K. Polk and his wife Sarah Childress. They renamed it "Polk Place" and set about renovating their new home ready for their return from the White House, but during the course of the renovations an accidental explosion destroyed a large part of the rear of the house....

They ordered it to be rebuilt while giving it a more modern Greek-Revival makeover and in 1849 they were able to move in. Tragically, after just 30-days in his new home Polk succumbed to cholera. From 1847 to 1893 his elaborate tomb was located on the front lawn and was afterwards moved to the Tennessee State Capitol. His widow lived here up until her own death in 1891. They died without children and a legal dispute between their heirs led to the demolition of the mansion just ten years later in 1901.