Title: Oil Portrait of Sarah Childress Polk (Mrs. James Knox Polk)

Description: For her time, Sarah Childress Polk had an unusual upbringing. She was educated at a girl’s academy in South Carolina, which was rare in the early 19th century, and her quick mind served her husband well. She often helped him with his speeches and correspondence, and gave her opinion on political issues. With her business-like capabilities, Sarah Polk reorganized and managed the White House household.

Date: 1883

Creator: George Dury after George P.A. Healy

Credit: White House Historical Association (White House Collection)