Relocation of Polk tomb advances
More than 100 years since he was last moved, James K. Polk might have a new final resting place.
The Tennessee House State Government Committee voted in favor last week for the relocation of President James K. Polk and first lady Sarah Polk’s tombs from the state Capitol to the former president’s Columbia home.
The vote brings the relocation a step closer to reality, though still requires a vote by the Calendar and Rules Committee later this session, as well as receiving support from the Tennessee Historical Commission and the Tennessee Capitol Commission before the Chancery Court of Davidson County determines whether the remains can be moved.
Cheatham County Mayor Kerry McCarver was one of 72 county mayors statewide to express support for exhuming and moving the remains again, an endeavor that stirred some debate last year.
McCarver previously stated that when the group spearheading the effort contacted him to explain the reason behind the relocation to the last home in existence — other than the White House — in which Polk lived, he “didn’t see anything wrong with that.”
He backed the relocation initiative, called the Journey Home for James K. Polk, pointing out in his letter of support the Columbia site is a state-owned National Historical Landmark which would “fulfill the last will and testament” of the 11th U.S. president, among the benefits.
McCarver previously said, however, that that letter is “as far as I’m going to go,” citing the lack of direct impact to Cheatham County and issues of higher priority demanding focus.
Kelly Fisher, reporter for the Ashland City Times, can be reached at KPFisher@gannett.com, 615-801-3866 or on Twitter at @KellyPFisher.